Loughfouder National School
Tralee, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 20 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 9 girls, 11 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14366V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Loughfouder National School is a rural Catholic primary school situated in the hinterland of the parish of Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry. It operates as a two‑teacher, mixed‑age school that follows the revised (1999) primary curriculum and places a strong emphasis on the spiritual, moral, cognitive, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social and physical development of each pupil. The school promotes an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment, working in partnership with parents, the local community and the Catholic Church to nurture the whole child and prepare them for lifelong learning. The school offers a wide range of facilities to support a broad, balanced programme of learning and extra‑curricular activities. Early‑morning drop‑off and supervised care, after‑school childcare, extensive sports grounds (football field, basketball court and soccer area), a fruit and vegetable garden, bike shelter and sensory room are available. Every classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards and access to iPads and laptops, enhancing the integration of ICT. The school’s active participation in sport, music, drama, STEM and environmental initiatives has earned it numerous awards, including Green Flags, Curious Minds Gold Awards, a Blue Star achievement award and a Digital School Flag of Distinction.
History
On 18 November 2016 the school marked its 50th anniversary since opening its doors. The present school building was opened in 1966, succeeding an earlier school that operated from 1899 to 1966. Educational provision in Loughfouder can be traced back to the mid‑1800s, with local tradition suggesting a hedge school existed half a mile up Hill Road towards Knockeencreen prior to 1899.
Applying to Loughfouder 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 Loughfouder 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 Loughfouder National School
How many pupils attend Loughfouder National School?
Loughfouder National School has 20 pupils enrolled, 9 girls and 11 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Loughfouder National School a DEIS school?
No. Loughfouder 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 Loughfouder National School?
Loughfouder National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.