St Colmans Clara National School
Clara, Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 204 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 110 girls, 94 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16116I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Colman’s National School in Clara, County Kilkenny, is a small, community‑focused primary school with thirteen teachers caring for 204 pupils. The school’s ethos is built on a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community, aiming to ensure every child reaches their full potential while feeling happy and secure. Emphasis is placed on equality, fairness and respect, with high‑quality care and support for all learners, including a dedicated SEN base – Seomra Sonas – opened in October 2024. The curriculum is complemented by a broad co‑curricular programme that includes STEM, music, dance, sport, green‑school initiatives and Irish language weeks (Seachtain na Gaeilge). Modern administrative tools such as the Aladdin system and Text‑a‑Parent keep parents informed and facilitate online payments. A rental book scheme removes any cost barrier to textbook provision, and the school’s uniform, supplied locally, reinforces a sense of belonging. Facilities support both academic and extracurricular activities, with dedicated spaces for team sports, music, and the SEN base, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Applying to St Colmans Clara 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Colmans Clara 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 Colmans Clara National School
How many pupils attend St Colmans Clara National School?
St Colmans Clara National School has 204 pupils enrolled, 110 girls and 94 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Colmans Clara National School a DEIS school?
No. St Colmans Clara 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 Colmans Clara National School?
St Colmans Clara National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.