Scoil Naomh Iosef
Rathkeale, Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 86 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18653V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Joseph’s Boys’ National School is an all‑boys primary school serving pupils from 2nd to 6th class in the heart of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, on the gateway to the Limerick Greenway. The school is staffed by a dedicated team of 18, including mainstream teachers, learning‑support teachers and special‑needs assistants, all committed to fostering a holistic education. The ethos places the happiness and wellbeing of each child at the centre of learning, encouraging inclusiveness, spirituality, individuality and the development of each child’s talents and aspirations. A strong emphasis is placed on mental‑health awareness, with programmes designed to help pupils understand and manage their emotional wellbeing. The school community is supported by an active Parents’ Council, a Board of Management and a patron, all working together to provide a high‑quality educational experience. A wide range of curricular and extra‑curricular activities are offered, promoting both academic achievement and personal growth. The school prides itself on a culture of mutual respect, high standards of behaviour, work ethic and personal achievement, preparing students to meet the challenges of education and life with confidence.
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.
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 86 pupils enrolled. 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 boys' primary school.