Naomh Tomas National School
School Details
Location
About
Saint Thomas’ National School is a small, rural, co‑educational primary school situated just off the N4 outside Rathowen, County Westmeath. Operating under Church of Ireland patronage, the school welcomes children of all faiths and none, offering a safe, caring environment that promotes inclusive education. With multi‑grade classrooms and small class sizes, pupils receive personalised attention that supports independent learning, project work and collaborative activities. The curriculum is broad, aiming to develop each child’s intellectual, social, moral and spiritual growth while nurturing values such as honesty, fairness and civic responsibility. The school’s facilities have been progressively enhanced: a 2004 extension added a second classroom, modern pupil and wheelchair‑accessible toilets, and a dedicated computer room. Further upgrades in 2009/10 introduced a new central heating system, upgraded windows, marmoleum flooring and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. A shared Special Education Teacher, an English as an Additional Language teacher and several Special Needs Assistants provide additional support, ensuring that learners with diverse needs are fully accommodated.
History
Saint Thomas’ National School was originally located in Crom near Rathowen and relocated to its present site in Rathowen in 1961. An extension built in 2004 provided a second classroom, improved toilet facilities and a computer room. In 2009/10 the school underwent extensive refurbishment, including a new central heating system, new windows, marmoleum flooring and the installation of interactive whiteboards in each classroom.