St Columbas Mixed National School
Dring, Longford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 56 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 23 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12813K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Columba’s National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Cloonagh, Dring, County Longford. Operating under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, the school follows the Rules for National Schools and the Department of Education’s curricular programmes. Its ethos is centred on the holistic development of pupils, nurturing cognitive, intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth while fostering a living relationship with God and a commitment to community and the environment. The school’s educational approach emphasises a Christian philosophy of life, encouraging cooperation, active participation and responsible citizenship. Pupils are supported through a curriculum that aligns with the Education Act (1998) and subsequent legislation on welfare, special educational needs and equality. Facilities include well‑maintained classrooms and a school yard that has been recognised for its environmental standards, having earned a Green Flag in 2013 and working towards a second flag for energy sustainability. The school promotes recycling, waste‑free practices and a strong link between learning and environmental stewardship.
Applying to St Columbas Mixed 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 Columbas Mixed 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 Columbas Mixed National School
How many pupils attend St Columbas Mixed National School?
St Columbas Mixed National School has 56 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 23 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Columbas Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. St Columbas Mixed 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 Columbas Mixed National School?
St Columbas Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.