St Beacons National School
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 175 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 80 girls, 95 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19976E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Beacon’s National School is a medium‑sized, mixed primary school situated a short distance from the Main Street in Mullinavat, County Kilkenny. It follows the Primary School Curriculum set out by the Department of Education and caters for boys and girls aged 4 to 13 years. In the 2021‑22 academic year the roll was 184 pupils, with the school day running from 9.05 am to 2.45 pm. The school’s ethos aims to promote the full and harmonious development of each child – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – encouraging a living relationship with God and with others. The learning environment is enriched by a range of extra‑curricular activities and programmes. Recent highlights include chess sessions for junior classes, a STEM show, tin‑whistle music groups, gymnastics, and a “Monster Dash” sports event, reflecting a strong emphasis on both academic enrichment and physical wellbeing. The school also participates in the Green Schools programme, prioritising environmental awareness, and maintains robust internet safety and cyber‑bullying policies to protect pupils in the digital age. Facilities include a modern purpose‑built building opened in 1992 on a generous site donated by local benefactors. The campus provides ample outdoor play space – historically known as the “Rae Field” – and indoor resources that support a vibrant, active school community.
History
The Holy Faith Sisters founded St Brigid’s Convent Girls National School, serving the parish for 112 years. A separate boys’ school, St Patrick’s Boys National School, operated nearby. In 1992 the two schools were amalgamated and the current school building was opened, named after the parish patron, St Beacon. Part of the site, formerly called the “Rae Field”, was donated by John and Bridget Dalton of Garrandarragh. A plaque commemorating the Daltons’ generosity was unveiled by TD Liam Aylward in 1992 and is displayed inside the main entrance.
Applying to St Beacons National School
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
View St Beacons National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Beacons National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 St Beacons National School
How many pupils attend St Beacons National School?
St Beacons National School has 175 pupils enrolled, 80 girls and 95 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Beacons National School a DEIS school?
No. St Beacons National School 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 St Beacons National School?
St Beacons National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.