Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa
Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 187 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 85 girls, 102 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17782E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Bhríde Shantalla is a vibrant primary school situated in the heart of the Shantalla district on the west side of Galway city. While the school’s ethos is rooted in the Catholic tradition, it warmly welcomes children of all races, creeds and nationalities, reflecting the diverse and international character of its local community. The school serves families from Shantalla, the wider Westside and surrounding districts, and it is open to pupils from across the city. The educational programme places a strong emphasis on literacy, with Scoil Bhríde recognised as the model school for the Reading Recovery initiative in Galway. In addition to a robust core curriculum, the school offers a rich portfolio of extracurricular and after‑school activities, including homework support, digital media and film‑making, dance, drama, music, woodwork, cookery, art therapy and a wide range of sporting options. These programmes are designed to develop creativity, confidence and teamwork alongside academic achievement. Scoil Bhríde also prioritises partnership with families, providing courses for parents and having earned the prestigious European Alcuin award for its exemplary work in fostering positive home‑school relationships. The school’s commitment to inclusive, high‑quality education is reflected in its broad range of support services and its reputation as a forward‑looking community hub.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa has 187 pupils enrolled, 85 girls and 102 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Bride Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.