Scoil Chaitríona Naofa
Arthurstown, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 61 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 28 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18387D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Caitríona Naofa (St Catherine’s National School) in Ballyhack is a vibrant primary‑level institution that prides itself on an inclusive ethos and a commitment to providing equal and fair opportunities for all pupils, staff and the wider community. The school’s educational philosophy centres on mutual respect, holistic development and a balanced curriculum that nurtures both academic achievement and personal growth. By fostering a caring environment, the school aims to inspire positive attitudes towards learning, enabling children to recognise their talents and reach their full potential. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that complement classroom learning, including basketball, soccer, rugby, gymnastics, dance, yoga, swimming, chess tournaments and gardening. Dedicated programmes such as Active Schools, Green Schools, the Amber Flag, Hurling 365 and the Buddy Bench promote health, environmental awareness and social inclusion. Regular themed weeks, Maths, Science, Engineering and Active Schools, enhance experiential learning, while a well‑stocked library and active breaks support literacy and wellbeing. A strong PTA and a vibrant parents’ Facebook page help maintain close community links and keep families informed of events and initiatives.
Applying to Scoil Chaitríona 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Chaitríona 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 Chaitríona Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Chaitríona Naofa?
Scoil Chaitríona Naofa has 61 pupils enrolled, 28 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Chaitríona Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Chaitríona 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 Chaitríona Naofa?
Scoil Chaitríona Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.