Laurencetown National School
Lawrencetown, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 117 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 57 girls, 60 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17170T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Lawrencetown National School is a vibrant primary school in Ballinasloe, County Galway, offering a mixed‑age, multi‑class structure that includes four mainstream classes and two dedicated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) inclusion classes introduced in 2022. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community partnership, providing access to a MUGA pitch, a walking track and a newly‑opened after‑school club, Le Chéile, where pupils enjoy a range of sports, culinary, play and reading activities. A broad curriculum is complemented by a robust Visual Arts programme that encourages drawing, painting, clay, print, fabric, fibre and construction, drawing inspiration from the local environment and seasonal celebrations. The campus has been modernised with a 2019 energy retrofit, air‑to‑water heating, mechanical ventilation and a 200 m² modular extension housing sensory rooms, additional classrooms, a SET room and modern washroom facilities. Recent investments in digital technology include a fleet of iPads, interactive whiteboards in every classroom and plans for Chromebooks to further develop digital literacy. The school’s extracurricular provision features swimming lessons, a running club, Gaelic games and a range of award‑winning initiatives, such as Discovery Primary Science Awards, Green Flag, Junior Entrepreneur and recognition as a School of Digital Distinction.
History
The present school opened officially in 1940 after the 1939 sanctioning of a two‑roomed building, completed on 1 February 1941 and blessed by Fr Nagle. Initial costs totalled £2 036‑17‑11, with the community contributing land and funds. Extensions followed: a third classroom and facilities added in 1955 (opened 18 September 1955 by Bishop Philbin), a fourth classroom in 1965, and a purpose‑room/kitchen/staff room built in 1975/76 for £11 000. A major refurbishment in 2000, overseen by the principal at the time, modernised floors, plumbing, electrical systems and cost over £200 000. The school celebrated its Golden Jubilee in June 1990 and continues to evolve with contemporary upgrades.
Applying to Laurencetown National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Laurencetown National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Laurencetown National School
How many pupils attend Laurencetown National School?
Laurencetown National School has 117 pupils enrolled, 57 girls and 60 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Laurencetown National School a DEIS school?
No. Laurencetown National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Laurencetown National School?
Laurencetown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.