St Oliver National School
New Ross, Wexford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 74 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 37 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17656W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Oliver’s National School in Duncannon is a small, community‑focused primary school that aims to provide a happy, inclusive learning environment where every child feels safe and respected. The school’s ethos promotes tolerance, cooperation and a diligent approach to learning, encouraging pupils to reach their full potential while developing a strong sense of self‑worth and belonging. A broad curriculum is complemented by a range of extra‑curricular activities, including beach walks, local café visits, beach clean‑up days, writing programmes, science projects and performances such as “Sing Out Loud” at the National Opera House, fostering creativity and community engagement. The school’s facilities are modern and well‑equipped for a contemporary classroom experience. There are three classrooms, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard, a dedicated special tuition room for targeted support, a staff room, a secretary’s office and a purpose‑built GP (Purpose) room. This infrastructure supports both whole‑class teaching and personalised learning, ensuring that children receive the attention they need in a supportive setting. A strong sense of community underpins daily life at St. Oliver’s; the small enrolment allows staff to know each pupil by name, creating close relationships that encourage confidence and academic achievement. The school’s commitment to a caring, supportive atmosphere is reflected in its positive parental feedback and vibrant school life.
History
St. Oliver’s National School opened its doors in 1987 following a fire that destroyed the previous school building in 1986. The reopening was overseen by Fr. Nicky Power P.P. as manager, with Martin Lyons serving as principal. The initial teaching team comprised Martin Lyons, Anna Cosgrave, Eleanor Cullinane and Ann Fitzgerald.
Applying to St Oliver 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 Oliver 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 Oliver National School
How many pupils attend St Oliver National School?
St Oliver National School has 74 pupils enrolled, 37 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Oliver National School a DEIS school?
No. St Oliver 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 Oliver National School?
St Oliver National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.