Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais
GAILLIMH, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 55 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 28 girls, 27 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17502S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Peterswell National School is a small, rural primary school situated in Gortaloman, Peterswell, County Galway. It caters for roughly 60 children and operates as a co‑educational Catholic institution that recognises and respects all faiths. The school’s ethos centres on providing a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, cultural and emotional needs of each pupil are identified and nurtured. Learning is delivered through a balanced curriculum that incorporates traditional classroom teaching, a dedicated resource teacher for special educational needs and two full‑time Special Needs Assistants. Beyond the core curriculum, the school offers a range of enrichment programmes. A Montessori‑based early years provision and an after‑school club support extended learning, while out‑of‑term camps and a breakfast club enhance the school’s community focus. Environmental education is a key feature, with a school garden used as an outdoor classroom to teach nutrition, science, maths and art, aligning with the Green Schools initiative. Extra‑curricular activities include a vibrant Student Council, Irish language promotion through the Gael Bhratach programme, and strong participation in local hurling and camogie, fostering teamwork and community spirit.
History
In 1845 Father O'Connor, the parish priest, applied for a building grant, at a time when the parish had about 550 families and almost 200 children of school age. A National School opened in the village of Peterswell in 1848, a single-storey building with two classrooms. Patrick Moylan was appointed principal in 1902; his wife worked alongside him until he retired in 1934. A new three-roomed school on the Gort-Loughrea road opened on 4th March 1946, formally opened and blessed by the Bishop of Galway, Most Rev. Dr. Browne. The state met eight ninths of the building cost, with the remainder raised locally. In 1967 Peterswell N.S. amalgamated with Ré Ramhar N.S. to form St. Thomas's N.S.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais has 55 pupils enrolled, 28 girls and 27 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais 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 Thomais?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Thomais has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.