Broadford National School
Broadford, Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 60 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 32 girls, 28 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18287W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Broadford National School is a rural, co‑educational primary school located in the village of Broadford, North Kildare, within the parish of Balyna. The school serves around 60 pupils across three mainstream classrooms and provides a Catholic‑based ethos that promotes respect for diverse cultures and religions. Its curriculum is designed to meet the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of each child, fostering a caring and secure atmosphere that prepares learners for the challenges of a rapidly changing society. The school benefits from a range of facilities developed over time, including the original three‑room building beside the local church and a 1985 extension that added four modern classrooms, a general‑purpose (G.P.) room, a kitchen and a basketball court. Extra‑curricular provision is strong, with activities such as debate competitions, chess tournaments, cycling workshops, student‑council elections and regular educational outings that enrich pupil experience and encourage personal development. Parental involvement is actively encouraged through the Parents’ Association, fundraising events and participation on the Board of Management.
History
The original school in Broadford village operated for 128 years before its doors were closed in 1958. A new three‑room school was then built beside the church. In 1985 an extension was added, providing four additional classrooms, a G.P. room, a kitchen and a basketball court.
Applying to Broadford 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 Broadford 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 Broadford National School
How many pupils attend Broadford National School?
Broadford National School has 60 pupils enrolled, 32 girls and 28 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Broadford National School a DEIS school?
No. Broadford 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 Broadford National School?
Broadford National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.