About Us


St. Joseph’s National School is a large urban school situated on the Dublin Road in the town of Longford. The school is under the patronage of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, the chairperson provides great support for the principal and the Board of Management play a vital role in the organisation and controlling of the affairs of the school.

The school was built by the Sisters of Mercy in 1957 and extended in 1976. Although the trusteeship no longer lies with the Sisters of Mercy, their values are clearly woven throughout the ethos of the school - striving to enable all pupils to have the kind of educational opportunities which will empower them to develop to their full potential and to be confident, caring citizens of the world .The aim of the school is to provide a holistic education for all pupils in developing the social, personal, spiritual, academic and aesthetic aspect of the child. 

The school is co – educational up to first class, then the boys transfer to St. Michael’s Boys National School and the girls remain until sixth class. There is 1 administrative principal, 1 administrative deputy principal, 24 mainstream class teachers, 9 SET teachers, 4 EAL teachers, 1 special class teacher, 2 shared HSCL officers, and 6 Inclusion Support Assistants (ISAs). The school derives its population from Longford town and is a DEIS Band 1 Urban school. 

All pupils are encouraged to experience and participate in a variety of curriculum based activities throughout the year in addition to a wide range of sports and physical activities. Coaching is provided in swimming, athletics and gaelic football. St. Joseph’s N.S. has developed a digital technologies plan and uses digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning. Retired teachers, as volunteers, also play a very active role in the school community supporting and facilitating with many aspects of the curriculum and school life. 

The school recently opened a special class which caters for children with autism. The school has the service of home school community liaison (HSCL) coordinators and participates in the School Completion Programme (SCP). Through these services the school actively promotes and encourages partnership with parents and the wider community. Our Inclusion Support Assistants are invaluable in providing support for pupils with special education needs. The school has the services of excellent support staff – secretary, caretaker and cleaner.