Holy Family Senior School
School Details
Location
About
Holy Family Senior School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in Portlaoise, County Laois. The school welcomes pupils of all creeds and races, fostering a community where diversity is respected and every child feels they belong. Its mission emphasises kindness, compassion and respect, providing dynamic and constructive learning opportunities within a positive, open environment. A strong Catholic ethos underpins the curriculum, encouraging a kind heart, an open mind, a generous spirit and a healthy body, while promoting personal responsibility and holistic education. The school benefits from shared facilities that reflect its rich heritage, including a football pitch named after Edmund Rice and a large hall dedicated to Nano Nagle. Modern resources such as class‑specific websites, a Star Centre for student activities, and a comprehensive physical‑education programme support a well‑rounded educational experience. Partnerships with local organisations and a focus on extracurricular activities, such as chess clubs and community events, further enhance pupil development and community engagement.
History
Holy Family Senior School is an amalgamation of three historic Portlaoise schools – St Paul’s (originally a Christian Brothers’ school founded in 1847 on Tower Hill, later renamed St Paul’s after the last Brother left in 1994), Sacred Heart (a Presentation Convent opened in 1826 beside the old St Peter and Paul’s Church) and Scoil Mhuire (built in 1955 adjacent to Sacred Heart). The combined school honours its founders by naming the shared football pitch after Edmund Rice and the large hall after Nano Nagle.