Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai
DUN GARBHAN, Waterford
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 42 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 20 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16818R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil na Leanaí is an Irish‑language primary boarding school situated on the An Rinn campus in County Waterford. It caters to boys and girls aged 10‑13, delivering the Irish national curriculum to pupils in 5th class, 6th class and the preparatory year. Classes are deliberately kept small to ensure each child receives personalised attention and to foster a disciplined study routine that builds a solid foundation for later academic and personal development. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing mind, body and spirit, with a strong emphasis on Irish cultural heritage, language immersion and the development of independence through a supportive boarding environment. The boarding facilities comprise separate dormitory wings for boys and girls, each divided into individual cubicles equipped with a single bed, locker and wardrobe, allowing pupils to personalise their space with personal items and create a “home from home” atmosphere. A comprehensive daily programme includes structured academic lessons, a health‑focused eating policy that sources local produce, and a rich array of after‑school activities such as music, song, dance, drama, sport and outdoor recreation. These activities are designed to encourage full participation, develop creative skills and build lasting friendships among the children. Beyond the classroom, the school offers unique experiential learning opportunities, including a small farm (“Ár Feirm Bheag”) where pupils engage with nature and sustainable practices, and a vibrant cultural programme that celebrates Irish traditions. The combination of small‑class teaching, immersive Irish language use, high‑quality boarding provision and a holistic curriculum aims to equip students with confidence, self‑discipline and a lifelong appreciation of their heritage.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai
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 Náisiúnta Na Leanai. 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 Náisiúnta Na Leanai
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai?
Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai has 42 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 20 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai 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.
Does Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Na Leanai teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.