Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef
Kinvara, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 324 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 167 girls, 157 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15523Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Iosaif Naofa (St Joseph’s National School) in Kinvara, Co. Galway, is a Catholic primary school that nurtures children within a Gospel‑based learning community. The school’s mission is to promote the highest possible achievement while fostering faith, lifelong learning and strong ties with the parish and wider community. A balanced curriculum places equal emphasis on literacy, numeracy and the development of personal values, encouraging pupils to become confident, inquisitive learners who appreciate both their religious heritage and the world around them. The campus combines historic charm with modern facilities. Recent extensions have added a spacious school hall, a state‑of‑the‑art astroturf pitch and specialised classrooms, including an autism class (Seoda). Technological integration is a priority, with participation in STEM programmes such as Curious Minds (SFI), Digital Schools, Coding Ireland and Lego League. A rich programme of extra‑curricular activities – music (orchestra and choir), drama, sport, Gaelbhratach, health‑promoting initiatives and community‑wide events – ensures a well‑rounded education that supports both academic and personal growth.
History
St Joseph’s National School was founded in 1904 on Mercy convent grounds, originally comprising four classrooms and serving both boys and girls until the boys transferred after First Communion. Refurbishments in 1949‑50 added cloakrooms and toilets, and the introduction of school transport in 1969 expanded its catchment area, especially after the closure of nearby Killina National School in 1972. The 1980s saw prefabricated classrooms added, followed by a major extension in 1995 that introduced four new classrooms. After the Sisters of Mercy ended their 90‑year service in 1997, the school continued to grow, adding a large school hall, an astroturf pitch and an autism class, while embracing modern technology and a wide range of STEM, music, drama and sport initiatives.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef has 324 pupils enrolled, 167 girls and 157 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Iosef has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.