Craddockstown School
Kildare
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 40 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 8 girls, 32 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20581L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Craddockstown School is a dedicated special school situated on Craddockstown Road, Naas, County Kildare, catering for learners aged 4‑18 who have a diagnosis of autism and/or complex learning needs. Operating under the patronage of the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), the school provides a fully inclusive, co‑educational environment that follows the national curriculum while adapting teaching methods and resources to meet each pupil’s individual requirements. A strong emphasis is placed on learner‑centred approaches, with personalised learning plans, specialist support staff and a range of therapeutic services designed to promote academic progress, social development and independence. The school’s provision is underpinned by a comprehensive support framework that includes pastoral care, guidance services, the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme and the School Completion Programme (SCP). Learners benefit from a broad curriculum covering both Junior and Senior Cycle subjects, as well as specialised programmes such as the Junior Cycle School Programme (JCSP), Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) and Transition Year. Extracurricular activities and community‑based projects are also offered to enhance personal growth and encourage participation beyond the classroom. Facilities at Craddockstown are purpose‑built to accommodate the sensory and accessibility needs of its students, featuring specialised classrooms, sensory rooms, therapy spaces and outdoor areas designed for safe, structured play. The school’s ethos is centred on the core values of integrity, respect, excellence and learner‑centredness, aiming to foster a supportive, nurturing atmosphere where every student can achieve their full potential.
Applying to Craddockstown 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 Craddockstown 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 Craddockstown School
How many pupils attend Craddockstown School?
Craddockstown School has 40 pupils enrolled, 8 girls and 32 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Craddockstown School a DEIS school?
No. Craddockstown 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 Craddockstown School?
Craddockstown School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.