Tubberclare National School
Athlone, Westmeath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 293 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 146 girls, 147 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18505G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Tubberclare National School is a vibrant Catholic primary school serving the St. Clare’s parish community. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing a relationship with God through daily prayer, love, friendship and service, encouraging pupils to live out holiness in everyday life. A balanced programme blends the redeveloped Primary School Curriculum with a rich co‑curricular offering, including music productions, sportswear sponsorships and community‑led retreats, fostering both academic growth and personal development. The campus has expanded considerably since its opening, now comprising modern classroom blocks, a dedicated library, staff room and specialist facilities for autistic pupils with complex educational needs. Recent extensions have added four new classrooms and improved parking, while two specialised autism classrooms were completed in late 2025. The school also benefits from well‑equipped infant and junior classrooms, and a range of outdoor spaces that support active play and outdoor learning. A strong partnership with families and the wider parish underpins the school’s inclusive admission policy and community spirit. Regular professional development, such as training on the Primary Curriculum Framework, ensures staff remain up‑to‑date, providing a supportive and forward‑looking learning environment for the 294 pupils enrolled in 2025.
History
Tubberclare National School was built in 1961 at a cost of £18,000 and opened on 1 February 1962 with 139 pupils and four teachers. A prefabricated classroom was added in 1970, followed by a purpose‑room and infant classroom extension in 1976 (£30,000). Further prefabricated classrooms appeared in 1985, and a second major extension, including three classrooms, a staff room and a library, was completed in 1992. Work on a four‑classroom extension and improved parking began on 26 June 2021 and finished in summer 2022. Construction of two specialist classes for autistic pupils started in July 2025, opening in November 2025. As of September 2025 the school accommodates 294 pupils and 29 staff members.
Applying to Tubberclare 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 Tubberclare 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 Tubberclare National School
How many pupils attend Tubberclare National School?
Tubberclare National School has 293 pupils enrolled, 146 girls and 147 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Tubberclare National School a DEIS school?
No. Tubberclare 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 Tubberclare National School?
Tubberclare National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.