Stokane National School
Enniscrone, Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 30 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 15 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14051T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Stokane National School is a vibrant rural primary school that prides itself on fostering enthusiastic, motivated and respectful pupils. The school’s ethos centres on recognising each child as unique, providing a happy, nurturing and stimulating environment where respect, kindness and partnership underpin everyday learning. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic development, integrating academic rigour with a rich programme of music, art, drama and outdoor education. The school boasts extensive facilities, including multiple play areas with football, basketball, soccer and athletics fields, a Multi‑Use Games Area (MUGA) with an all‑year‑round astro‑turf surface, and access to the adjacent Stokane Community Park featuring a grass pitch, walking track, exercise equipment and wheelchair‑accessible amenities. Classrooms are equipped for the Digital Schools Programme, offering interactive whiteboards, iPads, Chromebooks, Bee‑Bots and Lego robotics to enhance problem‑solving and spatial awareness. Every pupil learns a traditional musical instrument, beginning with the tin whistle, and participates in weekly music lessons, drama sessions that promote Gaeilge, and a timetabled art day that nurtures creativity. A well‑stocked library and daily storytime further support literacy and a love of reading.
History
The original Stokane National School opened in 1845 adjacent to the current site, closing intermittently during the famine. The first teacher was Michael Rouse, aged nineteen. By 1868 the school served 53 children. In 1891 a new building with two classrooms and a hall replaced the deteriorating 1890 structure, operating on a pepper‑corn rent of one penny per year and featuring separate play areas for boys and girls. The 1930s saw three teachers and 70‑80 pupils, with school closures aligned to farming cycles. Music became a hallmark in 1975 with the formation of the school band, a tradition that continues today. Significant developments include the purchase of a 3‑acre field in 1980, building refurbishment in 1989, centenary celebrations in 1991, and the addition of modern facilities such as an office (2011), resource room and new entrance (2017), expanded tarmac play area (2019), a MUGA astro‑turf (2020), and the completed Stokane Community Park in 2023. Notable alumni include Micheál Naughton, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (2021).
Applying to Stokane 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 Stokane 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 Stokane National School
How many pupils attend Stokane National School?
Stokane National School has 30 pupils enrolled, 15 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Stokane National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Stokane 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 Stokane National School?
Stokane National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.