Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde
Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 744 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 384 girls, 360 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17662R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Bhríde is a vibrant primary school located in the picturesque village of Kill, County Kildare. It serves a community of over 750 pupils, offering mainstream education alongside robust learning‑support provision, including dedicated staff for special needs and autism. The school operates a full‑time preschool with three teachers, creating a seamless transition for younger children into the primary setting. Facilities were modernised with a brand‑new building opened in September 2011, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist rooms and ample space for extracurricular activities. The curriculum follows the Department of Education & Skills prescribed programme, delivered in an innovative and creative manner that encourages enquiry and hands‑on learning. Scoil Bhríde’s motto, *Obair agus Áthas* (Work and Joy), reflects its commitment to fostering a joyful learning environment. The school has been recognised with numerous awards in drama, science, technology, sport and music, underscoring a strong emphasis on both academic and artistic development. A 2021 grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan enabled the provision of digital devices to bridge the digital divide, ensuring all learners have access to modern educational technology.
History
The original Scoil Bhríde was constructed in 1950 as a modest four‑roomed building comprising three classrooms and a cookery room. Rapid growth led to the addition of the first prefabricated classroom in 1967, followed by a major extension in 1976/77 that introduced four new classrooms, a purpose room, an office and a staff room. In September 2011 the school moved into a brand‑new, purpose‑built facility, providing contemporary learning spaces for its expanding student body.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde
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
View Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Brighde
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde?
Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde has 744 pupils enrolled, 384 girls and 360 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde?
Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.