St Thomas Junior National School
Lucan, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 573 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 263 girls, 310 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19542R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Thomas’ Junior National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the community of Esker, just south of Lucan village and approximately ten kilometres west of Dublin city centre. Established in 1976, the school has expanded from its modest origins – two teachers working in temporary accommodation – to a modern institution serving 564 pupils with a staff of 45. While the school operates within a Catholic ethos, it prides itself on being inclusive, welcoming children from over thirty nationalities and twenty different religions, and fostering a culture of mutual respect among pupils and staff. The curriculum is broad and balanced, placing a strong emphasis on quality teaching and learning across a range of subjects. The school seeks to develop the whole child, equipping each boy and girl with the essential life‑skills needed to participate fully in society. A safe, happy and supportive learning environment is central to the school’s ethos, encouraging pupils to achieve success and personal growth in a nurturing setting.
History
St. Thomas’ Junior National School was founded in 1976 with just two teachers operating from temporary premises. Over the ensuing decades the school has grown substantially, now accommodating 564 pupils and employing 45 staff members. The school’s development reflects its commitment to providing an inclusive, Catholic‑inspired education while embracing a diverse community of learners.
Applying to St Thomas Junior 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
View St Thomas Junior 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 Thomas Junior 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 Thomas Junior National School
How many pupils attend St Thomas Junior National School?
St Thomas Junior National School has 573 pupils enrolled, 263 girls and 310 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Thomas Junior National School a DEIS school?
No. St Thomas Junior 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 Thomas Junior National School?
St Thomas Junior National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.