Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise
Abbeyleix, Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 58 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 27 girls, 31 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17695J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Molaise (Knock National School) is a small, co‑educational primary school situated in the village of Knock, County Laois. Under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, the school provides a nurturing environment for roughly 60 pupils, with a dedicated team of teachers supporting mainstream and special educational needs provision. The school’s mission is to develop children intellectually, spiritually and socially, fostering good character, responsibility and a sense of community while encouraging self‑confidence and an awareness of the wider world. The campus combines historic charm with modern facilities. Built in 1950, the original two‑classroom building has been expanded with 1978 extensions, a basketball court and an adjacent community hall used for physical education, performances and celebrations. Refurbishments in 2007 added new bookshelves, carpets, a purpose‑built office, PE store and a learning support room. Recent EU‑funded initiatives have equipped the school with additional iPads to bridge the digital divide, supporting learners at risk of educational disadvantage. A strong emphasis on active learning is evident through the Active Schools programme, partnerships with local sports organisations and a variety of extracurricular activities.
History
Education in the Knock area dates back to 1849. In 1951 the present school, originally named Scoil Molaise but retaining the Knock name, opened in Graiguenahowen after fundraising led by Fr Martin Brophy. The initial premises comprised two modest classrooms, a corridor and dry toilets, with no electricity or running water. Electricity arrived in the mid‑1960s, and indoor toilets and washbasins were installed in the 1970s. Extensions in 1978 enlarged the classrooms and added a basketball court, while a community hall was built in the early 1980s. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000 and has since expanded with a prefab infants classroom (2001) and a comprehensive refurbishment in 2007 that modernised learning spaces and support facilities.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise
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 Molaise. 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 Molaise
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise?
Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise has 58 pupils enrolled, 27 girls and 31 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise 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 Molaise?
Scoil Náisiúnta Molaise has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.