Coolderry Central School
BIRR, Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 82 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 45 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19638H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coolderry Central School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school located in County Offaly, midway between Roscrea (Co. Tipperary) and Birr (Co. Offaly). The school aims to provide a well‑ordered, caring, happy and secure environment that meets the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of its pupils. While the ethos is Catholic, the school recognises and respects other religions and promotes the personal and professional development of its staff through regular development programmes. Strong links with parents are encouraged via home‑school contacts and an active Parents Council, fostering a collaborative community focused on self‑esteem, respect for people and property, and responsible citizenship. The campus has benefited from extensive upgrades since its establishment. Facilities include a designated infant soft‑play area, a sensory room, interactive whiteboards in every classroom, a modern computer room, upgraded staff and principal offices with new kitchen units, and improved security features such as new entrance doors. Recent enhancements also comprise new floor coverings, refreshed school grounds landscaping and a range of sporting provisions that support activities such as cross‑country running, football (both boys and girls), and participation in the European Day of Sport. These resources underpin a holistic educational approach that balances academic learning with physical wellbeing and cultural enrichment.
History
Coolderry Central School was founded in 1983 as an amalgamation of Ballyegan National School and Coolderry National School. Over the past four decades the school has undergone major developments, including the introduction of a soft‑play area, sensory room, interactive technology, and extensive building and grounds improvements. The school celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, marking a legacy of community involvement, sporting success and a commitment to nurturing pupils’ potential.
Applying to Coolderry Central 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 Coolderry Central 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 Coolderry Central School
How many pupils attend Coolderry Central School?
Coolderry Central School has 82 pupils enrolled, 45 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Coolderry Central School a DEIS school?
No. Coolderry Central 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 Coolderry Central School?
Coolderry Central School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.