Scoil Bhride
Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 244 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 113 girls, 131 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20071L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Bhríde is a mid‑sized national primary school situated on the edge of the peaceful town of Rathdowney, County Laois. The school provides a structured, full‑day programme for Junior and Senior Infants (8.50 am‑1.30 pm) and for First to Sixth classes (8.50 am‑2.30 pm), with clearly defined break times and a lunchtime routine that encourages children to eat in class before the larger break. A uniform of navy tracksuit and blue collared T‑shirt promotes a sense of community, and the school’s emphasis on punctuality, attendance and time‑keeping helps develop good habits from an early age. The school makes extensive use of the “Aladdin Connect” app, allowing parents to stay up‑to‑date with daily information, attendance and school news. Facilities include well‑maintained school grounds and a range of resources supported by voluntary contributions, which fund additional items such as art supplies and photocopying. A strong focus on healthy eating, safety and wellbeing underpins the curriculum, while active parental involvement in fundraising and school activities reinforces a collaborative, supportive learning environment.
Applying to Scoil Bhride
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 Bhride. 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 Bhride
How many pupils attend Scoil Bhride?
Scoil Bhride has 244 pupils enrolled, 113 girls and 131 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Bhride a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Bhride 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 Bhride?
Scoil Bhride has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.