San Carlo Senior National School
Leixlip, Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 301 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 144 girls, 157 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19875V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
San Carlo Senior National School is a Catholic co‑educational national school situated in the Confey area of Leixlip, County Kildare. Established in September 1985, the school serves pupils from third to sixth class under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. The school’s ethos combines a strong Catholic foundation with a commitment to fostering academic excellence, personal development and community spirit. A balanced curriculum follows the Irish Primary Curriculum, enriched by a range of extracurricular programmes that encourage creativity, scientific inquiry and physical wellbeing. The school benefits from modern facilities that support a vibrant learning environment, including dedicated classroom spaces, a well‑equipped schoolyard and specialised areas for arts and technology. Participation in national initiatives such as Active Schools, Green Schools, The Big Sing and Intel Mini‑Scientists reflects a holistic approach to education, promoting health, environmental awareness, cultural expression and STEM engagement. Regular school‑day structures and a supportive community network further enhance pupils’ social and emotional growth, preparing them for the transition to secondary education.
History
Scoil San Carlo Senior School opened its doors on 2 September 1985. The school crest features green, yellow and blue, symbolising the colours of Confey, the joy of sunshine and the sky and rivers respectively, with three yellow ripples representing the River Rye, the River Liffey and the Royal Canal. The crest also displays a Viking long boat (Leixlip’s Viking settlement), a salmon (linked to the town’s name), Captains Hill, a ruined church (reflecting local Christian heritage) and an oak tree, signifying the school’s ties to County Kildare.
Applying to San Carlo Senior 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 San Carlo Senior 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 San Carlo Senior National School
How many pupils attend San Carlo Senior National School?
San Carlo Senior National School has 301 pupils enrolled, 144 girls and 157 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is San Carlo Senior National School a DEIS school?
No. San Carlo Senior 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 San Carlo Senior National School?
San Carlo Senior National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.