St Oliver Plunkett National School
Navan, Meath
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 399 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 203 girls, 196 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19476H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Oliver Plunkett Primary School is a Catholic national school situated on Proudstown Road in Navan, County Meath. The school provides a caring, happy and secure environment where gospel values underpin the ethos and a strong emphasis is placed on the holistic development of each pupil. Teaching standards are continually raised through staff development, and the curriculum is delivered in a well‑ordered, disciplined atmosphere that encourages parental involvement and community partnership. The school accommodates around 420 children across seventeen mainstream classrooms and operates as a DEIS Band 2 institution, offering extensive learning‑support provisions such as in‑class literacy and numeracy carousels, dedicated reading groups and a school completion worker. A vibrant co‑curricular programme includes music (recorder, ukulele, tin‑whistle, choir), sport, art and a proactive Comhairle na nÓg, while the school’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its multiple Green Flag awards. These features combine to give pupils a broad, balanced education that nurtures academic achievement, creativity and social responsibility.
History
Saint Oliver Plunkett Primary School opened in Blackcastle, Navan in 1975. It was officially opened by John Bruton, T.D., then parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education, and the building was blessed by the Most Rev. John McCormack, Bishop of Meath. The land was purchased by the parish, with Fr M.V. Daly playing a key role in the school’s establishment. Over the past five decades the school has become a central part of life in North Navan, celebrating both its 50th anniversary and the 400th anniversary of its patron saint, St Oliver Plunkett.
Applying to St Oliver Plunkett 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 Plunkett 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 Plunkett National School
How many pupils attend St Oliver Plunkett National School?
St Oliver Plunkett National School has 399 pupils enrolled, 203 girls and 196 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Oliver Plunkett National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Oliver Plunkett 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 Oliver Plunkett National School?
St Oliver Plunkett National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.