Scoil Naomh Maodhog
Ferns, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 285 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 135 girls, 150 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19890R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Maodhóg is a co‑educational primary school situated in the historic village of Ferns, County Wexford. Under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Ferns, the school provides a supportive learning environment for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, operating from 9:00 am to 2:40 pm each day. With a staff complement of sixteen teachers, the school follows a balanced curriculum that blends academic rigour with a strong emphasis on community involvement and personal development. The school boasts twelve well‑equipped classrooms, four dedicated support rooms, a library and a combined PE/concert hall. Extensive outdoor facilities include a football pitch and two basketball courts, all set against the backdrop of the historic Ferns Castle. Recent enhancements such as a new classroom (1997) and a four‑classroom wing with ancillary rooms (2002) reflect ongoing investment in the learning environment. A lively programme of events – ranging from science fairs and maths week celebrations to sports tournaments and cultural assemblies – demonstrates the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity, teamwork and a sense of belonging among its pupils.
History
Scoil Naomh Maodhóg was established in 1985 through the amalgamation of the local separate boys’ and girls’ schools. The original school building dates back to 1889 and became a girls’ school in 1939, while a separate boys’ school was constructed on the Enniscorthy road. A new classroom was added in 1997, and in November 2002 a new wing comprising four classrooms, four ancillary/resource rooms, staff toilets and a storeroom was opened.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Maodhog
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 Maodhog. 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 Maodhog
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Maodhog?
Scoil Naomh Maodhog has 285 pupils enrolled, 135 girls and 150 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Maodhog a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Naomh Maodhog 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 Maodhog?
Scoil Naomh Maodhog has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.