Kells National School
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 27 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 17 girls, 10 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17566V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Brigid’s National School in Kells provides a caring, inclusive primary education that blends the national curriculum with a strong emphasis on holistic development. The school adopts a child‑centred, hands‑on approach, encouraging pupils to work collaboratively in groups and become active participants in their own learning. Well‑being is prioritised, with programmes that foster emotional resilience, creativity and problem‑solving skills, while parents are welcomed as partners in the educational journey. The school building, originally constructed in 1947 and extensively renovated in 2012, offers bright, modern classrooms and a welcoming environment for learners. Extra‑curricular provision is wide‑ranging, including yoga, a Junior Entrepreneur programme, and participation in the Green Schools initiative (currently holding its 9th Green Flag). The school also holds the Active School Flag, is a Health‑Promoting School, and is in its third year as a Creative Schools pilot, reflecting a commitment to innovative, arts‑focused learning. Strong community links are evident through a local creche service and regular involvement in village events and fund‑raising activities.
History
St Brigid’s National School, Kells, is situated in the village of Kells, County Kilkenny. A primary school has served the heart of the village since the 1800s. The present building was erected in 1947, expanded in 1958 with the addition of a third classroom, and underwent an extensive renovation in 2012 during which all but three classrooms were rebuilt.
Applying to Kells 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 Kells 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 Kells National School
How many pupils attend Kells National School?
Kells National School has 27 pupils enrolled, 17 girls and 10 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kells National School a DEIS school?
No. Kells 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 Kells National School?
Kells National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.