Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa
RATH MOLLADHAIN, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 73 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 40 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18453N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Michael’s National School is a small, rural primary school situated in the village of Kill, Rathmolyon, County Meath. Set in an idyllic countryside location, the school provides a close‑knit learning environment for roughly 70 pupils aged 4‑12. The campus centres on the original 1961 building, which houses spacious classrooms, a dedicated resource room and a multipurpose hall used for assemblies, performances and community gatherings. Recent approval for a new extension, slated to begin construction in summer 2023, will add modern teaching spaces and enhanced facilities to support contemporary curricula. The school’s educational approach balances the Irish national curriculum with a strong emphasis on community involvement, creativity and scientific enquiry. Pupils regularly take part in national initiatives such as the BT Young Scientist competition and a varied calendar of cultural and sporting events, fostering confidence and teamwork. Small class sizes enable personalised attention, while the supportive ethos encourages parental engagement and the celebration of each child’s individual strengths.
History
St. Michael’s NS opened on 10 April 1961 after the foundation stone was laid in September 1960. The site, generously gifted by the Jordan family, was chosen for its proximity to the local church and was prepared following the careful re‑interment of medieval skeletal remains discovered in 1960. The school was inaugurated by Bishop John Kyne and Fr Patrick Dillon, and was named after St Michael, reflecting a long‑standing local devotion. It began with 102 pupils (50 boys, 52 girls) and now educates 71 children. Over the decades five principals have led the school, guiding its growth and resilience. In June 2011 the school celebrated its 50th anniversary, noting that 1 112 children had attended since its opening. An extension approved by the Department of Education is set to begin in summer 2023, ensuring the school can continue to serve future generations.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil 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 Mhichil 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 Mhichil Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa has 73 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 40 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa 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 Mhichil Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhichil Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.