Naomh Tomas National School
Rathowen, Westmeath
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 16 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 8 girls, 8 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18591C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Saint Thomas’ National School is a small, rural, co‑educational primary school situated just off the N4 outside Rathowen, County Westmeath. Operating under Church of Ireland patronage, the school welcomes children of all faiths and none, offering a safe, caring environment that promotes inclusive education. With multi‑grade classrooms and small class sizes, pupils receive personalised attention that supports independent learning, project work and collaborative activities. The curriculum is broad, aiming to develop each child’s intellectual, social, moral and spiritual growth while nurturing values such as honesty, fairness and civic responsibility. The school’s facilities have been progressively enhanced: a 2004 extension added a second classroom, modern pupil and wheelchair‑accessible toilets, and a dedicated computer room. Further upgrades in 2009/10 introduced a new central heating system, upgraded windows, marmoleum flooring and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. A shared Special Education Teacher, an English as an Additional Language teacher and several Special Needs Assistants provide additional support, ensuring that learners with diverse needs are fully accommodated.
History
Saint Thomas’ National School was originally located in Crom near Rathowen and relocated to its present site in Rathowen in 1961. An extension built in 2004 provided a second classroom, improved toilet facilities and a computer room. In 2009/10 the school underwent extensive refurbishment, including a new central heating system, new windows, marmoleum flooring and the installation of interactive whiteboards in each classroom.
Applying to Naomh Tomas 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 Naomh Tomas 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 Naomh Tomas National School
How many pupils attend Naomh Tomas National School?
Naomh Tomas National School has 16 pupils enrolled, 8 girls and 8 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Naomh Tomas National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Naomh Tomas 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 Naomh Tomas National School?
Naomh Tomas National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.