St Josephs Convent National School
Charleville, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 190 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 90 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13031I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Joseph’s Convent National School is a co‑educational primary school situated on Smith’s Road in the historic town of Charleville, County Cork. The school embraces a whole‑child philosophy rooted in the Mercy Catholic tradition, recognising the family as the primary educator and seeking to nurture the intellectual, moral, spiritual, physical and social development of every pupil. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive education, with provisions for English as an Additional Language and a commitment to supporting disadvantaged children, ensuring that each child’s dignity and uniqueness are respected. The learning environment combines traditional classroom teaching with a vibrant programme of extra‑curricular activities. Pupils take part in daily movement breaks as part of the Active School initiative, enjoy weekly Zumba sessions that complement the physical education curriculum, and benefit from a busy‑bee homework club that provides additional support and enrichment. The school’s facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, dedicated spaces for arts and music, and outdoor areas that facilitate active play and community events such as the annual Christmas play and carol singing. A collaborative ethos underpins school life, with parents, the Board of Management and staff working together to create a warm, caring atmosphere where children’s talents are celebrated and their potential fully developed.
Applying to St Josephs Convent 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 Josephs Convent 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 Josephs Convent National School
How many pupils attend St Josephs Convent National School?
St Josephs Convent National School has 190 pupils enrolled, 90 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Josephs Convent National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Josephs Convent 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 Josephs Convent National School?
St Josephs Convent National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.