Mountmellick Boys National School
Mountmellick, Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 188 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16070K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Phádraig Naofa is an all‑boys primary school situated in the heart of Mountmellick, County Laois. The school serves children from Junior Infants to 6th Class and prides itself on a holistic approach to education that nurtures the emotional, social, physical and spiritual development of each pupil. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a happy, safe and stimulating environment where curiosity, kindness and enthusiasm are encouraged, and where learning is made relevant to the 21st century through the integration of modern technology and well‑equipped classrooms. The school benefits from a range of specialist resources, including a dedicated Special Education team, a vibrant school garden with a chicken coop, and a variety of extracurricular programmes such as the Green School, Creative School and Amber Flag Wellbeing initiatives. Recent awards – Green Flag, Active Flag and Amber Flag – reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship, physical health and mental wellbeing. Ongoing development, including a planned extension and a shared sports hall with the neighbouring school, further enhances the facilities available to the school community.
History
Scoil Phádraig Naofa was built alongside the local girls’ school in 1969 at a cost of £150,000. The premises were first occupied by students in 1971 under the leadership of the inaugural principal, Mr Lane. In 1977 Mr P. McCabe assumed the role of principal and served until his retirement in 1999, after which Mr J. Murrell became principal and continues in that position today.
Applying to Mountmellick Boys 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 Mountmellick Boys 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 Mountmellick Boys National School
How many pupils attend Mountmellick Boys National School?
Mountmellick Boys National School has 188 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Mountmellick Boys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Mountmellick Boys National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Mountmellick Boys National School?
Mountmellick Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.