Brierfield National School
Tuam, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 80 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 45 girls, 35 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14294W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Brierfield National School is a co‑educational primary institution serving Junior Infants to 6th Class, including a dedicated Autism Class, situated in the parish of Abbeyknockmoy, Tuam, County Galway. Under the patronage of Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam, the school positions itself as a community hub that promotes inclusive, holistic development, encouraging each pupil to reach their fullest potential through a balanced focus on academic learning, the arts and sport. The school benefits from a modernised building completed in 2006, featuring a community‑funded hall and a fourth classroom added in 2007, as well as a newly acquired playing field (2019) that supports a strong tradition of Gaelic games. Emphasis is placed on a nurturing environment, with policies that support child safeguarding, healthy eating and consistent homework routines, reinforcing the school’s commitment to the wellbeing and personal growth of every child. Brierfield’s ethos celebrates creativity and cultural participation, boasting a recognised tradition in music, art, drama and sport, while maintaining close ties with parents and the wider community through an active Parents’ Association and Board of Management.
History
Brierfield National School opened in 1892. A major refurbishment funded by the Department of Education took place between 2004 and 2006; the school hall, not covered by the grant, was subsequently built through community fundraising and was officially opened in June 2006 by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin. In 2007 a fourth classroom was added. The school introduced its first Autism Class in 2016, enhancing its inclusive provision. In 2019 the Board of Management purchased a field, funded by the school community, to serve as a playing ground.
Applying to Brierfield National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Brierfield National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Brierfield National School
How many pupils attend Brierfield National School?
Brierfield National School has 80 pupils enrolled, 45 girls and 35 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Brierfield National School a DEIS school?
No. Brierfield National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Brierfield National School?
Brierfield National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.