Goresbridge National School
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 68 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 37 girls, 31 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19944O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Bhríde is a medium‑sized rural primary school situated in the picturesque village of Goresbridge, County Kilkenny. The school serves roughly 80 pupils and is staffed by a team of teachers, a special needs assistant, a secretary and a caretaker. Its campus is set within attractive grounds that include a school garden and ample outdoor space for sport and play, providing a safe and stimulating environment for young learners. The school follows a holistic educational approach, aiming to develop each child academically, socially, physically and culturally. Core teaching is complemented by a wide range of extra‑curricular activities such as dancing, Samba drumming, drama, debating, yoga and meditation. A strong emphasis is placed on pupil wellbeing, with daily “Morning Movement” sessions, a wellness calendar and initiatives that promote healthy eating, fitness and mental health. Scoil Bhríde is also an active Green Schools participant, holding six flags, including the Biodiversity Flag, and working towards a seventh Global Citizenship flag. Innovation and global awareness are encouraged through programmes like the “Say Yes” language initiative and the pilot “Global Village” project, which develop students’ skills in Spanish, French and global citizenship. The school’s ethos prioritises a supportive, inclusive community where every child can thrive.
History
Education in Goresbridge began in 1858 when the Brigidine Sisters arrived from Tullow at the invitation of local patrons. The school was formally opened in October 1972 as Scoil Bhríde and has since grown into a vibrant primary institution. In November 2022 the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking fifty years of continuous service to the community, with special events and commemorative activities. The school continues to build on this legacy, maintaining strong ties to its founding values while embracing modern educational initiatives.
Applying to Goresbridge 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 Goresbridge 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 Goresbridge National School
How many pupils attend Goresbridge National School?
Goresbridge National School has 68 pupils enrolled, 37 girls and 31 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Goresbridge National School a DEIS school?
No. Goresbridge 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 Goresbridge National School?
Goresbridge National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.