St John The Baptist Boys National School
Pennywell, Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 69 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16715H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. John the Baptist Boys’ National School is a Catholic primary school situated in the heart of Pennywell, Garryowen, Limerick. It caters for boys from 2nd to 6th class and aims to provide a balanced intellectual and emotional education. The school’s ethos promotes cooperation, mutual respect and a love of lifelong learning, creating a safe and caring environment where pupils can develop curiosity, creativity and confidence both in the classroom and on the sports field. The school is progressive and inclusive, with a new ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) room opening in September to support children with additional educational needs. A strong emphasis is placed on extra‑curricular activities: a vibrant music programme, a school band, active participation in sport through the nearby University of Limerick facilities, and involvement in initiatives such as the FIRST Lego League Explore, Green School projects and the School of Sanctuary. These opportunities, together with a modern learning environment, enable each child to explore and develop his unique talents.
History
St. John the Baptist Boys’ National School was originally founded on John’s Street, Limerick, before moving to Downey Street more than 70 years ago. Over the decades the school has built a reputation as a strong sporting institution, winning numerous trophies and medals. Today it operates as a progressive boys’ school for 2nd‑ to 6th‑class pupils, recently expanding its provision with an ASD classroom and continuing its commitment to inclusivity, music, sport and a wide range of extra‑curricular activities.
Applying to St John The Baptist Boys 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 John The Baptist Boys 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 John The Baptist Boys National School
How many pupils attend St John The Baptist Boys National School?
St John The Baptist Boys National School has 69 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St John The Baptist Boys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St John The Baptist Boys National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of St John The Baptist Boys National School?
St John The Baptist Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.