Portlaw National School
Portlaw, Waterford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 214 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 111 girls, 103 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19970P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Portlaw National School is a vibrant primary school situated in the picturesque village of Portlaw, approximately thirteen miles north‑west of Waterford city. The school caters for 212 pupils ranging from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and includes two dedicated special classes for children on the autism spectrum. The learning environment is designed to celebrate each child’s individuality, offering a rich and varied curriculum that balances academic rigour with a broad programme of sports and arts activities. Modern technology underpins daily teaching and communication, with the Aladdin platform providing parents with instant access to attendance records, school updates and the ability to make payments for fees, extracurriculars and transport. The school’s ethos centres on building happiness, confidence and connections, recognising that content, self‑assured learners achieve their best. Tailored programmes address the specific needs of every pupil, ensuring that progress is monitored and supported. A warm, welcoming atmosphere and a committed, qualified staff create a community where children feel safe to explore, develop and thrive.
Applying to Portlaw 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 Portlaw 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 Portlaw National School
How many pupils attend Portlaw National School?
Portlaw National School has 214 pupils enrolled, 111 girls and 103 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Portlaw National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Portlaw 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 Portlaw National School?
Portlaw National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.