Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa
Tullow, Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 150 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16080N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Phádraig Naofa is a boys’ primary school in Tullow, County Carlow, operating under a Catholic ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths and none. The school delivers a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop academic, physical, spiritual, moral and emotional capacities, with a strong emphasis on self‑esteem and responsible citizenship. Learning is supported by committed teachers, a volunteer Board of Management and active partnership with parents, the parish and the wider community. Recent investment under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan has equipped the school with Chromebooks and 10.2 in iPads, together with a charging trolley, enabling cloud‑based learning that enhances numeracy, problem‑solving and computational thinking. The school also offers a comprehensive before‑ and after‑school programme provided by Sherpa Kids, with early‑morning “Rise then Shine” care and an extended “Stay and Play” service, supporting families throughout the school day. Facilities include dedicated classroom spaces and sports areas designed to promote active play and physical development. The school’s ethos is reflected in its inclusive community spirit, fostering a nurturing environment where boys can grow into mature, confident adults.
History
Scoil Phádraig Naofa was founded in 1808 by Bishop Daniel Delaney and has been an integral part of the fabric of Tullow ever since. Over more than two centuries the school has maintained its commitment to providing a Catholic‑based education while adapting to contemporary educational needs, continuing the tradition of serving the boys of the local community.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa
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 Phadraig Naofa. 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 Phadraig Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa has 150 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.