Saleen National School
Midleton, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 378 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 186 girls, 192 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17600S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scartleigh National School is a vibrant, co‑educational primary school situated in the picturesque village of Saleen and the neighbouring East Ferry area. The school embraces a Catholic ethos centred on respect, empathy and inclusive practice, welcoming children of all faiths and none. Its educational philosophy prioritises a happy, supportive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their full potential through collaborative learning, respectful communication and a strong sense of community. The campus has been significantly expanded in recent years. A 2006 extension added four modern classrooms and a new corridor, while a 2014 standalone building introduced eight further classrooms, a dedicated PE hall, specialised rooms for children with autism and other special educational needs, and ancillary facilities such as staff parking. Outdoor spaces include two newly landscaped playgrounds and a sports pitch, providing ample opportunity for physical activity and play. The school’s inclusive approach is reinforced by specialised classes for pupils with special needs, ensuring that every child receives the support required to thrive academically and socially.
History
Founded in 1848, the original school was located in Saleen village on the site now occupied by the parish church. It was a two‑storey, two‑teacher institution with senior classes taught downstairs and junior classes upstairs, accessed via a narrow passage and steep external steps. Early pupils walked several miles to attend, often in harsh weather, and the school relied on candlelight and paraffin lamps before rural electrification. In 1947 a new building was erected at Scartlea Upper, moving the school from its village setting and adding a farm‑field pitch and outdoor toilets. Subsequent developments included staff appointments in the 1960s, a 2006 extension of four classrooms, and a major 2014 standalone expansion providing eight additional classrooms, a PE hall, four autism‑specific classrooms and enhanced facilities. The campus now features landscaped playgrounds, staff parking and a growing team of educators, with the current principal overseeing the addition of a fifth special class.
Applying to Saleen 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
View Saleen National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Saleen National School. 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 Saleen National School
How many pupils attend Saleen National School?
Saleen National School has 378 pupils enrolled, 186 girls and 192 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Saleen National School a DEIS school?
No. Saleen 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 Saleen National School?
Saleen National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.