Scoil Dean Cussen
Bruff, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 219 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 113 girls, 106 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20133H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Dean Cussen is a vibrant primary school serving the Bruff community, offering education from junior to senior classes (Junior 1‑3 and Senior 1‑6). The school places a strong emphasis on a caring, inclusive atmosphere where every child matters, fostering confidence, respect and responsibility. Learning is delivered through a partnership model that actively involves families, the Board of Management and the wider community, ensuring that each pupil can reach their full potential. The curriculum is underpinned by targeted literacy initiatives such as the “Literacy Lift‑Off” programme, which provides daily reading opportunities and intensive SEN‑supported sessions to develop fluency and writing skills. A dedicated Reading Recovery service offers one‑to‑one support for pupils who need extra help with reading. The school also promotes digital safety, directing families to resources like Webwise and Zeeko, and maintains a structured uniform policy and regular PE provision, supporting both academic and physical development.
History
Scoil Dean Cussen, Brú na nDéise, was created in 2000 through the amalgamation of St Joseph’s Girls’ National School and St Patrick’s Boys’ National School. The name was proposed by Sr Veronica Carey, FCJ, in honour of Very Rev. Robert Cussen, the parish priest of Bruff from 1836 to 1865, who was a Dean of the Diocese and instrumental in establishing local religious and educational institutions. A memorial statue donated by parishioners now stands prominently in the school yard, reflecting the community’s pride in its heritage.
Applying to Scoil Dean Cussen
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 Dean Cussen. 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 Dean Cussen
How many pupils attend Scoil Dean Cussen?
Scoil Dean Cussen has 219 pupils enrolled, 113 girls and 106 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Dean Cussen a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Dean Cussen 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 Dean Cussen?
Scoil Dean Cussen has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.