St Johns Senior School
Arklow, Wicklow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 323 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 164 girls, 159 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20469R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. John’s Senior National School (SNS) in Arklow is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school catering for children in 3rd to 6th class. The school operates fifteen mainstream classrooms alongside three specialised classes designed for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive education. Situated on Coolgreaney Road within easy walking distance of Arklow’s Main Street, the campus provides a safe, welcoming environment where students of all faiths and backgrounds can thrive. The educational ethos centres on open communication, holistic development and a balanced curriculum that blends academic rigour with a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities. Pupils benefit from initiatives such as the Discovery Primary Science programme, the Active School Flag, a Wellbeing Committee, and a Homework Club, all aimed at fostering curiosity, physical health and emotional resilience. Leadership opportunities are offered through a Student Council, encouraging democratic participation and personal responsibility. As part of the Arklow/Rathdrum/Dunlavin School Completion Project, the school embraces a diverse community and works closely with its feeder primary, St. Michael and Peter’s J.S., to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students. The school’s Catholic foundation underpins its values, promoting respect, compassion and a sense of belonging for every child.
Applying to St Johns Senior 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
View St Johns Senior School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Johns Senior School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Johns Senior School
How many pupils attend St Johns Senior School?
St Johns Senior School has 323 pupils enrolled, 164 girls and 159 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Johns Senior School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Johns Senior 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.
Does St Johns Senior School teach through Irish?
Partly. St Johns Senior School teaches some subjects through Irish.