Holy Family Secondary School
Newbridge, Kildare
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 789 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61682A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Holy Family Secondary School is a Catholic, girls‑only, all‑ability day school in Newbridge that places the development of the whole person at the centre of its ethos. Drawing on the philosophy of Fr Pierre Bienvenu Noailles, the school nurtures academic excellence alongside spiritual, emotional and social growth, fostering a “family” spirit that encourages kindness, respect, gentleness and togetherness. A broad curriculum covers the core subjects and offers a wide range of optional subjects, while a strong emphasis on the arts and sport provides a holistic education that balances intellectual rigour with creative and physical activity. The school benefits from purpose‑built facilities that have been expanded over several decades, including modern classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms and extensive sports amenities supporting activities such as Gaelic football, soccer, camogie and athletics. A vibrant extracurricular programme offers clubs ranging from drama and photography to ukulele and craft, reinforcing the community‑focused environment and giving pupils ample opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom.
History
The origins of secondary education for girls in Newbridge date to 1948 when a “Secondary Top” was established under Monsignor Miller, with six pupils sitting the Intermediate Certificate in 1950. On 7 September 1959 the town’s first dedicated secondary school for girls opened, enrolling 75 pupils and a staff of five. New purpose‑built premises were blessed in 1965 and officially opened in September 1967, with further extensions added in 1982 and a final expansion later under the auspices of the Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin. In 1992 the Holy Family Sisters transferred ownership to the Diocese, establishing a Board of Management and appointing the first lay principal, while retaining the school’s family‑centred ethos.
Applying to Holy Family Secondary 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Holy Family Secondary 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Holy Family Secondary School
How many pupils attend Holy Family Secondary School?
Holy Family Secondary School has 789 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Holy Family Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. Holy Family Secondary 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 Holy Family Secondary School?
Holy Family Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.