Scoíl Ide Naofa
Athy, Kildare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 139 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 58 girls, 81 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17650K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Íde Naofa is a Catholic primary school in Kilmead, County Kildare, providing co‑educational learning for children from Junior Infants to 6th Class. The school embraces a warm, inclusive ethos, celebrating each pupil’s individuality and aiming to develop confident, well‑rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their education. A strong emphasis is placed on personalised support, evident in the establishment of two dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes – the first opened in 2021 and a second added in 2023 – and a robust Special Educational Needs (SEN) team that includes three specialist staff and seven assistants. The campus has evolved considerably since its founding in 1949. Original facilities have been expanded through a series of extensions: a three‑classroom, staffroom, library/medical room and general‑purpose room added in 1996; a further three‑room block and a dedicated SET room in 2007; and two additional mainstream classrooms in 2011. Capital works in 2009 created a bus turning area, staff and visitor car park, expanded playground space and an enlarged, reseeded playing pitch. These developments provide ample indoor and outdoor learning environments, supporting both academic and extra‑curricular activities such as football and camogie. With a current enrolment of 161 pupils – a 60 % increase since 2002 – the school serves the Parish of Narraghmore as its nearest primary education provider. The staffing complement includes an administrative principal, six mainstream teachers, two ASD class teachers, a dedicated SEN team and essential ancillary staff, ensuring a well‑resourced learning community.
History
Scoil Íde Naofa was built in 1949 as a two‑roomed primary school. In 1976 it amalgamated with the nearby Skerries National School, prompting the addition of prefabricated classrooms. A major extension was sanctioned in 1996, delivering three new classrooms, a staffroom, library/medical room and a general‑purpose room. Further growth led to a three‑room extension and a SET room in 2007, followed by capital works in 2009 that added a bus turning area, staff/visitor car park, extra playground space and an expanded playing pitch. Two more mainstream classrooms were added in 2011. After 23 years of leadership by Mr Ed Kirwan, Mr Rob White became principal in 2019. The school opened its first ASD class in 2021 and a second in September 2023.
Applying to Scoíl Ide 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 Scoíl Ide 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 Scoíl Ide Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoíl Ide Naofa?
Scoíl Ide Naofa has 139 pupils enrolled, 58 girls and 81 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoíl Ide Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoíl Ide 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 Scoíl Ide Naofa?
Scoíl Ide Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.