Killeshin National School
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Chomhgháin Naofa is a co‑educational Catholic primary school in Killeshin, County Laois, offering a well‑ordered, caring and secure atmosphere for children aged 4‑12. The school’s ethos balances intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development, recognising the needs of pupils of all faiths and promoting gender equity, parental partnership and the use of Gaeilge in everyday life. The purpose‑built campus, opened in 2012 on a green‑field site, houses 16 modern classrooms equipped with contemporary teaching technology. In 2025 a modular extension was added to provide two specialist autism classes, including a calming sensory room, a gross‑motor active room and a secure playground area, underscoring the school’s commitment to inclusive education. Facilities also include a well‑maintained sports area, a library, and dedicated spaces for arts and music, supporting a balanced curriculum that encourages personal confidence, respect for people and property, and responsible citizenship among its growing community of around 400 pupils.
History
The first formal National School in Killeshin was erected in 1821 as a Gothic‑style two‑storey stone building, succeeding earlier hedge schools in the area. After the original building was demolished in 1979, a new two‑room school opened on the main road in 1948, with further expansions in 1967 and 1981. In 2012 the school moved to a purpose‑built facility with 16 classrooms, becoming one of the most technically modern schools locally. Over the following decade pupil numbers rose to about 400, and in 2023 a new principal was appointed after three decades of leadership. In 2025 the school was granted two special autism classes, prompting the construction of a modular extension that includes a sensory room, a gross‑motor room and an enhanced playground.