Scoil Chroi Iosa
Blarney, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 286 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 155 girls, 131 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20399W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Chroí Íosa is a co‑educational primary school serving Blarney and the surrounding community. It delivers a high‑quality, Catholic‑patroned curriculum that aims to develop the full potential of every pupil in a happy, stimulating environment. The school places a strong emphasis on partnership with parents, fostering a love of learning, respect and responsibility while encouraging children to work to the best of their ability. The campus is split between a Junior Building on Castle Close Rd for the younger classes and a Senior Building on St Ann’s Rd for the older pupils. Facilities support a broad range of activities, including dedicated STEM programmes, after‑school clubs such as board‑games, baking and sports, and a vibrant arts curriculum. The school also benefits from community‑driven initiatives, regular fundraising events and a supportive Parents’ Council, all of which contribute to a warm, welcoming atmosphere for students and families alike.
History
A National School has occupied the present Senior Building site for almost 120 years. In 1898 Sir George and Lady Colthurst donated the land on St Anne’s Road to the then Blarney Village School, which moved from a two‑storey house on Pump Street and was named “The Colthurst Blarney Schools”. Originally under the patronage of the Catholic Diocese of Cloyne, the school accommodated 450 boys and girls in separate boys’ and girls’ schools. In 1953 the Sisters of Charity assumed control, and the schools were renamed Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Cailíní and Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Buachaillí. Expansions followed: a new girls’ building (Scoil Íosagáin na gCailíní) opened in 1974 and a boys’ extension in 1986. In August 2012 the two schools amalgamated to become Scoil Chroí Íosa, a co‑educational primary school operating across the Junior and Senior Buildings.
Applying to Scoil Chroi Iosa
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 Chroi Iosa. 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 Chroi Iosa
How many pupils attend Scoil Chroi Iosa?
Scoil Chroi Iosa has 286 pupils enrolled, 155 girls and 131 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Chroi Iosa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Chroi Iosa 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 Chroi Iosa?
Scoil Chroi Iosa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.