St Oliver Plunketts National School
Elm Park, Tipperary
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 334 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 148 girls, 186 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19645E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Oliver’s National School is a co‑educational primary school in Clonmel, County Tipperary, catering for children aged four to twelve from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class. The school follows the curricular programmes set by the Department of Education and Science and delivers learning within a Catholic ethos, under the patronage of the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. Its mission emphasises respect for difference, care for all, nurturing of individual talents and the development of self‑confidence in a safe, caring environment. The single‑storey building is fully accessible and set within pleasant grounds that include a large field and an outdoor classroom, providing ample space for play, sport and experiential learning. Class teachers are responsible for both the welfare of pupils and the delivery of the curriculum, working closely with parents, the parish and the wider community to support each child’s potential. Regular communication through the school website keeps families informed about school life, events and achievements.
History
St. Oliver’s opened in September 1982 with seven staff members and 115 children from Junior Infants to First Class. The school began operation while construction and furnishing were still incomplete, welcoming an additional 30 children beyond those enrolled. Initially five classes were established, later expanding as enrolments grew. The Department of Education supplied the building, but teachers sourced teaching materials themselves to create a functional learning environment.
Applying to St Oliver Plunketts 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 Plunketts 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 Plunketts National School
How many pupils attend St Oliver Plunketts National School?
St Oliver Plunketts National School has 334 pupils enrolled, 148 girls and 186 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Oliver Plunketts National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Oliver Plunketts 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 Plunketts National School?
St Oliver Plunketts National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.