Ratheniska National School
Stradbally, Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 211 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 111 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17604D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ratheniska National School is a mainstream, co‑educational primary school situated about three kilometres south‑east of Portlaoise in County Laois. The school serves a vibrant community of 191 pupils (approximately equal numbers of boys and girls) and operates under a Roman Catholic ethos while recognising and respecting other faiths. Its educational philosophy is holistic, aiming to develop each child academically, spiritually, morally, physically and socially. A calm, safe and inclusive environment is fostered, encouraging mutual respect, lifelong enjoyment of learning and gender equity among both staff and pupils. The school’s premises comprise eight spacious classrooms of roughly 90 sqm each, two support rooms, a library, offices and storage facilities. Additional recreational space is provided through the use of a local community hall and nearby GAA grounds covering 17 acres, supporting a broad range of physical and outdoor activities. The curriculum follows the Primary School Curriculum, covering English, Irish, Maths, SESE (History, Geography, Science), SPHE, Physical Education, and Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Drama), complemented by the “Grow in Love” religious education programme. Robust policies, including child safeguarding, a school improvement plan and a comprehensive set of organisational policies, underpin the school’s commitment to high standards of teaching, pupil welfare and continuous development.
History
The earliest records of a school in Ratheniska date back to 1824, giving the institution a heritage of nearly two centuries.
Applying to Ratheniska 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 Ratheniska 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 Ratheniska National School
How many pupils attend Ratheniska National School?
Ratheniska National School has 211 pupils enrolled, 111 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ratheniska National School a DEIS school?
No. Ratheniska 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 Ratheniska National School?
Ratheniska National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.