The Swan National School
Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 14 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18014K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The Swan National School is a primary school situated in the rural community of The Swan, via Athy, County Laois. It offers a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop academically, socially and personally. The curriculum is complemented by a strong emphasis on wellbeing, with a structured programme that includes breath‑work, yoga, mindfulness and, from January 2025, weekly Pilates sessions. A commitment to STEM education is demonstrated by the school’s Curious Minds silver award for participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. Facilities support a holistic approach to education. All schoolbooks, copybooks and workbooks are supplied free of charge under the national Free Book Scheme, and hot school lunches are provided through the Department of Education’s School Meals scheme. Uniforms are sourced locally, and a range of sportswear is available from designated suppliers. Communication with families is streamlined via the Aladdin Connect app, and the school maintains clear policies on attendance, sacraments and community involvement, fostering strong ties between parents, staff and the wider community. Key features include a well‑structured daily timetable with clearly defined start, break and lunch times, a focus on healthy snack choices, and regular celebration of religious sacraments such as First Penance, First Holy Communion and biennial Confirmation. The school’s ethos is centred on developing the personal, social, emotional and academic growth of each child, creating a vibrant school family that welcomes prospective pupils and their families.
Applying to The Swan 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 The Swan 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 The Swan National School
How many pupils attend The Swan National School?
The Swan National School has 29 pupils enrolled, 14 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is The Swan National School a DEIS school?
Yes. The Swan 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 The Swan National School?
The Swan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.