Scoil Naisiunta Phoil Naofa
School Details
Location
About
St. Paul’s National School is a modern, state‑of‑the‑art infant school located in the heart of Athlone, County Westmeath. It is the only dedicated infant school in the town and welcomes both boys and girls from Junior Infants through to First Class. As a Catholic school it celebrates a wide range of cultures, abilities and learning styles, and incorporates the Little Acorns Montessori programme to support early childhood development. Class sizes are kept small, with approximately twenty pupils per class, and an annual fee of €20 covers all books, copies, pencils and photocopying. A substantial support team of English language and resource teachers, together with ancillary staff, ensures a nurturing environment, while a breakfast club, free nutritious lunches and an after‑school club provide additional care. The school boasts a wealth of facilities designed to enhance learning and wellbeing. Every classroom is equipped with interactive SmartBoards and a selection of over 20 Apple iPads for classroom use. On‑site resources include a well‑stocked library, seven resource rooms, a sensory room, a gross‑motor OT room and a fully equipped assembly/PE hall with stage lighting and sound. Outdoor provision features two large play areas, an obstacle course, swings, slides and climbing apparatus. A broad co‑curricular programme offers Irish dancing, yoga, gymnastics, LEGO workshops, music generation classes, tin‑whistle lessons, Rinka, mindfulness sessions, Feile Ceoil performances, art workshops, library visits and historical trips. The school has received numerous accolades, including seven Green Schools Flags, the Active School Flag, Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards, and is recognised as a Digital School of Distinction.