Scoil Naomh Iosef
Tralee, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 38 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18856M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Iosef is a co‑educational primary school in Bouleenshere, Ballyheigue, County Kerry, operating under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kerry. The school’s ethos centres on “Foghlaim Agus Fás” – Learn and Grow – and it seeks to nurture each child’s individuality through a balanced programme of academic learning, creative arts, and physical education. Class sizes are kept small (pupil‑teacher ratio < 18:1) to allow personalised attention and to foster a supportive, respectful environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. A distinctive feature of the school is its strong emphasis on creativity and the arts. Students regularly engage in drama productions, with recent musical performances such as *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat*, *Grease* and *The Sound of Music*. The school also runs a well‑established filmmaking programme that has earned national and international awards, with student films broadcast on RTÉ’s After School Hub. Physical education is broadened by visiting football and hurling coaches and annual swimming lessons at a local pool, complemented by a school garden that supports experiential learning. The curriculum is underpinned by a commitment to inclusive education, with two mainstream class teachers, a full‑time Special Education Teacher and a shared Special Education Teacher. This structure, together with a vibrant Parents Council and Board of Management, ensures that the school remains closely linked to the parish community while providing a safe, happy setting for children to explore, experiment and develop a lifelong love of learning.
History
Scoil Naomh Iosef opened in 1963 as a boys‑only national school. In 1969 the school was extended and became a mixed (co‑educational) primary school. Since then it has operated as an integral part of the local parish, under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kerry, and has evolved to include a broad range of creative, sporting and special‑education provisions.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Iosef
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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Naomh Iosef. 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 Naomh Iosef
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Iosef?
Scoil Naomh Iosef has 38 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Iosef a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Naomh Iosef 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 Naomh Iosef?
Scoil Naomh Iosef has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.