Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa
Rhode, Offaly
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 91 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 48 girls, 43 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18335H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Rhode is a Catholic co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. The school delivers the Irish Primary Curriculum with a strong emphasis on holistic development, integrating faith, language, arts and sport. A broad range of extracurricular programmes, including music and choir, gaelbhratach, chess, knitting and crochet, support a vibrant community life and encourage pupils to explore their interests beyond the classroom. The campus comprises seven modern classrooms, a purpose‑built room, a staffroom and a conservatory added in 2004, all set around a well‑maintained playing field. Recent improvements funded by Offaly County Council in 2019 provide a new pedestrian crossing, footpath, parking and set‑down areas, enhancing safety and accessibility. The school also participates in Green Schools and Active School initiatives, promoting environmental awareness and physical wellbeing throughout the school year.
History
Scoil Mhuire Naofa opened in 1959, replacing an earlier building across the road. Initially equipped with four classrooms, two cloakrooms and toilets, the school expanded in the mid‑1970s with two additional classrooms and a purpose room. A further extension in 2006 added a classroom and staffroom, bringing the total to seven classrooms, and a conservatory was constructed at the front of the building in 2004 through Parent Association fundraising. In 2019, Offaly County Council, with Department of Transport funding, provided a new pedestrian crossing, footpath, parking and set‑down areas. The school’s leadership has included Mr Paddy Buckley (1959‑1978), Mr Gerry Reidy (1978‑2004), Mr Declan Downey (2004‑2007) and Mrs Mary Bray (appointed November 2007). Staff numbers have grown from three in 1959 to thirteen, including a teaching principal, class teachers, special education teachers and support assistants.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire 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 Mhuire 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 Mhuire Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa has 91 pupils enrolled, 48 girls and 43 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire 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 Mhuire Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.