Scoil Iosaf
Newcastle West, Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 225 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 208 girls, 17 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12975N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Iósaf is a vibrant primary school situated in the heart of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. It offers a full range of classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, together with an Early Intervention Autism Class and two Primary Autism Classes, supported by a team of Special Needs Assistants. The school’s child‑centred ethos prioritises the holistic development of each pupil, fostering a supportive environment for learners, families and staff alike. The campus benefits from a spacious school hall, extensive yard and green areas, and a dedicated school garden where children grow vegetables and flowers, reinforcing environmental awareness. A strong emphasis is placed on STEM education, music, drama and sport, with the school recently receiving the Active Flag for promoting physical activity and holding six Green Flags for its sustainability initiatives. Additional provisions include a breakfast club and after‑school programme, ensuring a well‑rounded experience for all pupils.
History
The Sisters of Mercy opened the first convent school in Newcastle West on 10 April 1850. As attendance grew, a primary school was established in 1887, forming the foundation of today’s Scoil Iósaf. In 1991 the first lay principal was appointed, and the Sisters of Mercy concluded their involvement in December 1999.
Applying to Scoil Iosaf
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 Iosaf. 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 Iosaf
How many pupils attend Scoil Iosaf?
Scoil Iosaf has 225 pupils enrolled, 208 girls and 17 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Iosaf a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Iosaf 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 Iosaf?
Scoil Iosaf has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.