Scoil Naomh Seosamh
Skibberreen, Cork
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 182 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 180 girls, 2 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 08430S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Joseph’s National School, Skibbereen, is a Catholic primary school for girls from Junior Infants to Sixth class, situated in the heart of Skibbereen town. The school provides a vibrant, inclusive learning environment underpinned by a strong Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths and none. A central aim is to foster lifelong learners through high expectations, creative teaching, and a supportive atmosphere that nurtures intellectual, spiritual, cultural, moral and physical development. The campus includes a purpose‑built special educational needs suite, Rang Naomh Eoin, which accommodates both boys and girls with severe to profound needs, demonstrating the school’s commitment to inclusive education. The modern school building, opened in 1982, offers extensive green lawns and two playgrounds, providing ample space for outdoor learning and recreation. Daily routines begin at 9.00 am (with doors opening at 8.50 am) and conclude at 1.40 pm for infant classes and 2.40 pm for older pupils, with supervised arrival and departure. A distinctive uniform, including a navy jumper with the school crest, reinforces a sense of community and pride.
History
The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Skibbereen on 24 May 1860, establishing a Junior and Senior Primary School within the newly built convent. In 1982 the original St Joseph’s Girls Primary School closed and the current modern building was opened, featuring two playgrounds and extensive lawns. Early staff comprised eight teachers, including the first lay principal appointed in 1997 after the retirement of the last Sister of Mercy principal, Sr Veronica Neville. Subsequent leadership transitions saw principals appointed in 2008, 2013, and most recently a past pupil becoming principal in 2024. The school has continuously evolved while maintaining its Catholic foundation and commitment to educational excellence.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Seosamh
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 Seosamh. 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 Seosamh
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Seosamh?
Scoil Naomh Seosamh has 182 pupils enrolled, 180 girls and 2 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Seosamh a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Naomh Seosamh is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Scoil Naomh Seosamh?
Scoil Naomh Seosamh has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.