Scoil Phadraig
Westport, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 338 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 180 girls, 158 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20230F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Phádraig is a co‑educational primary school situated in the urban centre of Westport. Operating under the patronage of the Diocese of Tuam, it is a Catholic‑principled institution that welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds. The school’s ethos is built around a holistic approach to education, aiming to nurture the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of each pupil. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering self‑worth, confidence and a love of learning, while promoting values such as kindness, joy, trust, prayerfulness and community spirit. In June 2017 the school moved into a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art building that houses sixteen modern classrooms and a range of specialised facilities. The campus supports a vibrant learning environment with a breakfast club, after‑school programme and, from September 2025, a dedicated autism classroom. Dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) staff provide tailored support for a diverse pupil body of over 350 children, ensuring inclusive education for all. The school’s partnership with parents and the wider community is central to its operation. It offers a wide variety of extra‑curricular activities, competitions and sporting events, encouraging pupils to engage fully with school life. Regular communication through newsletters, a school calendar and an online portal keeps families informed and involved in the school’s ongoing development.
History
Scoil Phádraig was established in 2006 following the amalgamation of the CBS Boys School and the Convent Girls School, bringing together the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam. The merger created the largest primary school in Westport, initially serving over 300 pupils. In 2017 the school relocated to a newly constructed, architecturally designed building on the former Christian Brothers National School site, expanding its capacity with sixteen modern classrooms and enhanced facilities.
Applying to Scoil Phadraig
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 Phadraig. 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 Phadraig
How many pupils attend Scoil Phadraig?
Scoil Phadraig has 338 pupils enrolled, 180 girls and 158 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Phadraig a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Phadraig 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 Phadraig?
Scoil Phadraig has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.