Naomh Pius X National School
Portlaoise, Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 49 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 27 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18433H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Naomh Pius X National School is a co‑educational primary school serving children from junior infants to sixth class. The school’s mission is founded on the belief that every child is a gift from God, possessing unique talents that should be nurtured through a balanced programme of academic, spiritual and personal development. Teaching is delivered within the framework of the Department of Education and Skills, ensuring that the curriculum meets national standards while allowing flexibility to develop each pupil’s individual potential. The school operates across three dedicated learning spaces – a junior room, a middle room and a senior room – and provides specialised support for pupils with additional needs. Recent upgrades have introduced modern classrooms, a refurbished staff room, contemporary furniture, improved flooring and an efficient heating system, creating a safe and comfortable environment for learning and play. A broad range of extracurricular activities further enriches the pupil experience, encouraging the development of skills beyond the classroom.
History
The origins of education in the Ballacolla area trace back to the Manor school in Granstown (1864) and the first village school opened in 1879 within St Patrick’s Hall. In 1960 a new purpose‑built school was erected on the parish field known as the Hawthorn and was named St Pius X, initially accommodating 87 pupils and three teachers under principal Paddy Maher. Designed in the style of OPW architect Basil, the original building featured a water tower and covered shelters. By the early 1990s, increased enrolment prompted a major extension that added two classrooms, a staff room and modernised facilities. The school has been under the patronage of the Diocese of Ossory since its foundation and is governed by a Board of Management, which, since 2019, has been chaired by a layperson.
Applying to Naomh Pius X 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
View Naomh Pius X National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Naomh Pius X National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Naomh Pius X National School
How many pupils attend Naomh Pius X National School?
Naomh Pius X National School has 49 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 27 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Naomh Pius X National School a DEIS school?
No. Naomh Pius X 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 Naomh Pius X National School?
Naomh Pius X National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.