St Patricks National School
Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 207 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 91 girls, 116 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17663T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Phádraig Naofa is a mainstream, co‑educational primary school situated in the picturesque village of Rathvilly, County Carlow. The school embraces a holistic approach, aiming to develop each pupil academically, spiritually, morally, physically and socially. A calm, safe environment underpins a stimulating and engaging curriculum, encouraging honest effort, mutual respect and a lifelong love of learning. The inclusive ethos welcomes children of all faiths and none, fostering strong home‑school links and active parental involvement through the Parents’ Association. The campus benefits from its proximity to the Rathvilly GAA grounds, local tennis and soccer clubs, and the River Slaney, providing ample opportunities for sport and outdoor activities. Since its opening in 1956, the school has expanded considerably: original twin‑section classrooms have been supplemented by a prefabricated unit, a series of new classrooms added in the 1980s, and an upstairs extension in 2011 that includes additional teaching spaces and a GP room. Recent refurbishments and an ongoing new‑building development continue to modernise the facilities, supporting a contemporary learning environment for the current roll of around 200 pupils.
History
Scoil Phádraig Naofa opened in 1956 on a site donated by the Kearns family, replacing an earlier village school now known as the Phoenix Centre. Initially comprising two sections (girls and boys) with four classrooms, the school expanded over the decades: a prefabricated two‑classroom unit was added, followed by five new classrooms in the early 1980s, and an upstairs extension with two classrooms and a GP room in 2011. Recent years have seen further refurbishment and a new building project underway, transforming the original modest structure into a larger, modern primary school serving the Rathvilly community under the patronage of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese.
Applying to St Patricks 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
View St Patricks National 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 Patricks National 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 Patricks National School
How many pupils attend St Patricks National School?
St Patricks National School has 207 pupils enrolled, 91 girls and 116 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Patricks National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Patricks 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 Patricks National School?
St Patricks National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.