St Colemans National School
Laois
Key facts
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 318 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 163 girls, 155 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20353V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Colman’s National School is a vibrant primary school that blends a strong academic programme with a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school places a high priority on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Modern teaching resources, including the national e‑learning platform Scoilnet, are integrated into daily lessons to enhance digital literacy and interactive learning. The school’s facilities support a holistic approach to education. Pupils enjoy well‑maintained sports fields where hurling, football and other competitions are regularly organised, promoting teamwork and physical wellbeing. A dedicated school garden provides hands‑on experience of horticulture, exemplified by projects such as the “Incredible Edibles” initiative, which allows children to grow and harvest a variety of fruit and vegetables. A lively Media Team gives students the opportunity to develop communication skills through photography, video and blogging, while regular school blogs keep the community informed of events and achievements. Community involvement is a cornerstone of St Colman’s ethos. The school hosts a range of events, from cultural projects like “Parachute making” and “Famine Cottages” to competitive sporting fixtures, fostering strong ties between pupils, families and the wider local area. This balanced focus on academic rigour, creative expression and physical activity prepares children for lifelong learning and active citizenship.
Applying to St Colemans 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Colemans National School. 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 St Colemans National School
How many pupils attend St Colemans National School?
St Colemans National School has 318 pupils enrolled, 163 girls and 155 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Colemans National School a DEIS school?
No. St Colemans 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.
Does St Colemans National School teach through Irish?
Partly. St Colemans National School teaches some subjects through Irish.