Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa
Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 111 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 4 girls, 107 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18424G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Joseph’s National School, Carlow provides mainstream primary education for boys from Junior Infants to First Class, alongside dedicated Early Intervention provision for both boys and girls, including specialised autism and ASD classes. The school’s ethos, set out in its mission “To each their best”, emphasises a partnership between management, staff and parents/guardians to foster a caring, respectful environment where pupils can develop personally and academically. A strong focus on inclusion is evident through its Early Intervention programme and a range of special educational needs policies. Recent investment through the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Next Generation EU project has enabled the school to acquire digital technologies such as school‑wide iPads, helping to bridge the digital divide for learners at risk of educational disadvantage. These resources support a modern, interactive curriculum and enhance learning opportunities across all year groups. The school also offers a well‑structured enrolment process, clear admissions policies and a suite of support services, including child safeguarding, anti‑bullying and environmental sustainability initiatives.
History
St. Joseph’s National School was founded in September 1861 when the Sisters of Mercy opened an Infant Boys’ School on Pollerton Road, Carlow, with the blessing of Bishop Dr Walshe. Initially housed in a modest barn, the school moved to a purpose‑built premises opened on 19 March 1870, coinciding with the feast of St Joseph, and was named accordingly. Throughout the late 19th and early 20 th centuries the school received regular commendations from inspectors and benefitted from community bequests. Expansion continued with additional classrooms added in 1928 and, following further growth, a new eight‑classroom building was opened in 1960. By the mid‑1960s pupil numbers had reached around 400, prompting the introduction of a dual‑day system to accommodate the community’s needs.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef 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.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef 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 Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa has 111 pupils enrolled, 4 girls and 107 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef 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 Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Iosef Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.