Scoil Ruain
Thurles, Tipperary
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 360 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 163 girls, 197 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 72430H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Ruáin is a co‑educational secondary school situated in the scenic hills of Killenaule, County Tipperary, and operates under the governance of Tipperary Education and Training Board. The school’s ethos centres on “Education of the whole person”, guided by the core values of Excellence in Education, Respect, Care, Equality and Community. Its progressive curriculum blends the Junior Certificate programme with a broad range of extra‑curricular activities, including music, sport, digital learning initiatives and student‑leadership schemes such as Gaisce, all designed to develop academic, social and personal wellbeing. The campus offers up‑to‑date facilities that support both classroom learning and practical skills, reflected in the school’s distinctive coat of arms which symbolises literary, technical and scientific pursuits. A dedicated transition programme eases the move from primary to secondary education, particularly for pupils from small rural schools, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment. Pastoral care is at the heart of daily life, with a focus on fostering a happy, supportive community where every child can reach their full potential.
History
The origins of Scoil Ruáin date back to the 1920s when a continuation‑education school was founded at Knockavardagh, Killenaule under the leadership of Seamus O’Bric. In 1936 a new three‑room premises opened on Bailey Street, with O’Bric remaining principal until his retirement in 1964. Successive principals included T.F. O’Sullivan, Mick Hassett (who served until 2002), and Colette Treacy (2002‑2011). The present school building at Knockavardagh was inaugurated in 1981. Named after Saint Ruáin, a noted scholar and founder of several monastic sites in North Tipperary, the school’s coat of arms was designed by the Chief Herald of Ireland to reflect its heritage and commitment to learning.
Applying to Scoil Ruain
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Ruain. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Ruain
How many pupils attend Scoil Ruain?
Scoil Ruain has 360 pupils enrolled, 163 girls and 197 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Scoil Ruain a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Ruain 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 Ruain?
Scoil Ruain has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.