Scoil Bhríde
Navan, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 392 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 211 girls, 181 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15104T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Bhríde is a Catholic primary school situated in the historic community of Cannistown, County Meath. Under the patronage of the Bishop of Meath, the school delivers a balanced programme that blends strong academic standards with a rich sporting, musical and cultural curriculum. The ethos promotes a relaxed and happy learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop both intellectually and spiritually, guided by a dedicated team of teachers and support staff across junior infants to sixth class. The school benefits from modern facilities, including a purpose‑built classroom block opened in 2013 and specialised spaces for STEAM activities. Recent collaborations with DCU, robotics pilots and STEM teacher internships provide pupils with hands‑on experience in science and technology. A vibrant student council drives community fundraising, supporting initiatives such as new sports equipment and local charities. Uniform and PE gear are clearly defined, reinforcing a sense of belonging, while the school day runs from 8:50 am to 1:30 pm for the younger classes and to 2:30 pm for the older classes.
History
Education in the Cannistown area dates back to the 6th century with a monastery founded by St Finian of Clonard. During Penal times a hedge school operated near the present Ardsallagh Avenue entrance. The National Schools system established a school on the Navan side of the site in the 1830s, and a one‑teacher school building opened in 1890, which still stands today. Refurbishments in the 1950s added a second classroom, and prefabricated rooms were added in the 1970s‑80s, later replaced by a new building in 1989. Further extensions appeared in 2005 and a new block at the rear of the site was completed in 2013. The school has been recorded under various names, becoming Scoil Bhríde Naofa in 1952, honouring its patron St Brigid, and has long served as the heart of the local community.
Applying to Scoil Bhríde
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 Bhríde. 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 Bhríde
How many pupils attend Scoil Bhríde?
Scoil Bhríde has 392 pupils enrolled, 211 girls and 181 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Bhríde a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Bhríde 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 Bhríde?
Scoil Bhríde has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.