Scoil Mhuire
ATHY, Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 9 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 3 girls, 6 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17441B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Wolfhill National School is a small rural primary school situated in south Laois, close to the borders of Carlow, Kildare and Kilkenny. As a two‑teacher, Catholic‑inspired institution it welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds, placing a strong emphasis on inclusion, personal development and the values of effort, excellence and the arts. The low pupil‑teacher ratio, which sits below the national average, ensures that each child receives a level of individual attention comparable to a home‑learning environment. The school benefits from modern facilities, including two bright classrooms, a dedicated Special Education room, a football/soccer field, a basketball court and a versatile outdoor playshed that doubles as a music performance space. Recent investment in a suite of iPads supports digital literacy, while a vibrant programme of music, choir, tin‑whistle lessons, school plays and craft activities nurtures creativity. Strong links with local sports clubs, the Laois Sports Partnership and the Green Schools initiative further enrich the curriculum, promoting health, environmental awareness and community citizenship.
History
Wolfhill National School was built in 1943 to replace an earlier school that now serves as a local handball alley. In 2005 an extension added two large, bright classrooms and a purpose‑built Special Education room equipped with modern facilities. Since its foundation the school has maintained a rural setting with extensive outdoor spaces, including a football/soccer field, basketball court and an all‑weather playshed that has also functioned as a music performance room during the pandemic.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire
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 Mhuire. 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 Mhuire
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire?
Scoil Mhuire has 9 pupils enrolled, 3 girls and 6 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Mhuire 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 Mhuire?
Scoil Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.