Portlaoise Educate Together National School
Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 457 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 216 girls, 241 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20347D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Portlaoise Educate Together National School (PETNS) is a co‑educational, multi‑denominational primary school situated in Summerhill, Portlaoise. Operating under the patronage of Educate Together, the school delivers an ethical education programme each day, replacing traditional religious instruction. The curriculum is learner‑centred and democratic, encouraging children to think critically, act ethically and develop a strong sense of global citizenship. With a vibrant, modern building that opened in September 2013, PETNS provides a professional and welcoming environment for both staff and pupils, supporting a multicultural community that represents over thirty nationalities. The school currently runs three streams up to 1st Class (as of the 2025‑2026 academic year) and is notable for its inclusive provision, including two dedicated autism classes – the first such provision in Portlaoise when introduced in 2013. Facilities are designed to cater for a wide range of abilities and interests, offering spaces for creative, sporting and academic activities, and promoting a culture of respect, equality and participation. PETNS’s ethos places every child at the centre of learning, fostering empathy, respect for diverse belief systems and a commitment to human rights and environmental stewardship.
History
Portlaoise Educate Together National School opened its doors on 30 August 2010 in a temporary building on Railway Street. In September 2013 the school moved into its current purpose‑built premises, becoming the first primary school in Portlaoise to establish dedicated autism classes, a provision that now includes two specialist classes. Since its inception, PETNS has grown steadily, expanding to three streams up to 1st Class by the 2025‑2026 school year and maintaining a strong commitment to equality‑based, multi‑denominational education.
Applying to Portlaoise Educate Together 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 Portlaoise Educate Together 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 Portlaoise Educate Together National School
How many pupils attend Portlaoise Educate Together National School?
Portlaoise Educate Together National School has 457 pupils enrolled, 216 girls and 241 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Portlaoise Educate Together National School a DEIS school?
No. Portlaoise Educate Together 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 Portlaoise Educate Together National School?
Portlaoise Educate Together National School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.