Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil Naofa
Athlone, Westmeath
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 125 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 65 girls, 60 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18405C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Paul’s National School is a modern, state‑of‑the‑art infant school located in the heart of Athlone, County Westmeath. It is the only dedicated infant school in the town and welcomes both boys and girls from Junior Infants through to First Class. As a Catholic school it celebrates a wide range of cultures, abilities and learning styles, and incorporates the Little Acorns Montessori programme to support early childhood development. Class sizes are kept small, with approximately twenty pupils per class, and an annual fee of €20 covers all books, copies, pencils and photocopying. A substantial support team of English language and resource teachers, together with ancillary staff, ensures a nurturing environment, while a breakfast club, free nutritious lunches and an after‑school club provide additional care. The school boasts a wealth of facilities designed to enhance learning and wellbeing. Every classroom is equipped with interactive SmartBoards and a selection of over 20 Apple iPads for classroom use. On‑site resources include a well‑stocked library, seven resource rooms, a sensory room, a gross‑motor OT room and a fully equipped assembly/PE hall with stage lighting and sound. Outdoor provision features two large play areas, an obstacle course, swings, slides and climbing apparatus. A broad co‑curricular programme offers Irish dancing, yoga, gymnastics, LEGO workshops, music generation classes, tin‑whistle lessons, Rinka, mindfulness sessions, Feile Ceoil performances, art workshops, library visits and historical trips. The school has received numerous accolades, including seven Green Schools Flags, the Active School Flag, Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards, and is recognised as a Digital School of Distinction.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil 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 Phoil 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 Phoil Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil Naofa has 125 pupils enrolled, 65 girls and 60 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil 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 Phoil Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phoil Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.