St Garvans National School
Taghmon, Wexford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 88 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 36 girls, 52 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17612C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Garvan’s National School is a co‑educational Roman Catholic primary school situated in the heart of Caroreigh, County Wexford. Under the patronage of the Bishop of Ferns, the school follows a holistic ethos that seeks the full and harmonious development of each pupil – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – while fostering a living relationship with God and the wider community. The school’s motto, *Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí* (“Praise the youth and they will flourish”), reflects its commitment to nurturing confidence, curiosity and a love of learning in an inclusive environment that welcomes children of all races, genders, cultures, abilities and faiths. The learning environment is centred on a modernised historic building that provides spacious classrooms, a dedicated teacher’s residence and facilities for a range of extracurricular activities. Emphasis is placed on a balanced curriculum that integrates religious education, cultural programmes and physical education, supported by active parent and community involvement through the Parents’ Council and various school‑wide events. The school’s inclusive philosophy and strong community ties create a supportive atmosphere where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
History
The origins of education in the Caroreigh area date back to an 1835 hedge school in Kilgarvan, where basic literacy and Catholic catechism were taught. The formal Caroreigh National School was established on chapel grounds as a one‑room stone building, funded locally and initiated by Rev. Andrew Kehoe. Bernard Curry, aged 19, became the first teacher in the 1850s. In 1868 the nearby Tottenhamgreen school closed and its pupils amalgamated with Caroreigh under the leadership of Mary Kelly, expanding the school to two classrooms after extensive repairs. Over the following decades, a succession of principals and assistant teachers guided the school’s growth, and in 1883 a teacher’s residence was erected with Board of Education funding, remaining in use until 1970. The school has continued to evolve, maintaining its historic roots while adapting to contemporary educational needs.
Applying to St Garvans 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 Garvans 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 Garvans National School
How many pupils attend St Garvans National School?
St Garvans National School has 88 pupils enrolled, 36 girls and 52 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Garvans National School a DEIS school?
No. St Garvans 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 Garvans National School?
St Garvans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.