Scoil Choca Naofa
Commons East, Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 467 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 242 girls, 225 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11976K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Chóca Naofa is a Catholic primary school situated on Mill Lane in Kilcock, County Kildare. Rooted in the charism of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters, the school embraces an inclusive ethos, welcoming pupils of all beliefs and fostering a safe, happy learning environment where every child is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The curriculum balances strong academic foundations with a broad range of cultural, artistic and sporting programmes, including recognised achievements in art, music, sport and a developing STEM initiative that is working towards a Gold Plaque. The school benefits from modern facilities following a major extension and refurbishment completed in 2011, built around the original 1953 structure. Recent investment through the NextGeneration EU programme has provided high‑speed broadband, enhancing digital learning across the school. Emphasis is placed on holistic development, with dedicated spaces for creative and physical activities, and close links to the local parish and community ensure that pupils experience a well‑rounded education grounded in Catholic values and contemporary educational practice.
History
Scoil Chóca Naofa was founded by the Presentation Sisters over 150 years ago and has long been an integral part of the Kilcock community. The present building dates from 1953; after a lengthy approval process, a major extension and refurbishment was sanctioned by the Department of Education and Skills. Construction took place during the 2010/2011 school year and the newly upgraded school opened its doors in September 2011. Throughout its history the school has remained committed to providing quality Catholic education, supporting academic development alongside a wide variety of cultural and artistic programmes, and celebrating pupils’ achievements in art, music and sport each year.
Applying to Scoil Choca 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
View Scoil Choca Naofa's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Choca Naofa. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Choca Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Choca Naofa?
Scoil Choca Naofa has 467 pupils enrolled, 242 girls and 225 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Choca Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Choca 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 Choca Naofa?
Scoil Choca Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.