Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach
Tipperary
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 137 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 64 girls, 73 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18062V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta An Grainseach is a thriving rural, co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in the scenic south Tipperary countryside, close to Cahir and Clonmel. The school caters for approximately 137 pupils and employs a dedicated team of ten full‑time teachers, six special needs assistants, a secretary, two cleaners and a part‑time caretaker. It offers two special classes alongside mainstream provision, ensuring inclusive education for all learners. The school places a strong emphasis on the broader curriculum, delivering learning experiences beyond the classroom through extensive use of its outdoor facilities. Pupils benefit from two spacious yard areas, a soft‑play zone, a school garden and a pitch, with additional access to the Grange Community Pitch and Walkway. These spaces support physical activity, environmental awareness and the development of practical skills. The educational philosophy promotes a restorative approach to conflict, fostering resilience, respect and responsibility, while also encouraging gender equality and the regular use of the Irish language in everyday interactions. Community involvement is central to school life; parents are encouraged to engage through the Parents’ Association and regular home‑school communication. The school’s mission is to provide a well‑ordered, caring and secure atmosphere that meets the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of each child.
History
- 1829 – Church built in Grange; upper rooms above the sacristy used as the first principal’s residence. - 1857 – Separate boys’ and girls’ schools constructed beside the church; Thomas and Bridget Hackett served as principals. - 1932 – Amalgamation of Grange Male and Female Schools under Principal James Mulcahy. - 1957 – New two‑classroom school erected on the present site. - 1967 – Amalgamation with Garnavilla N.S., adding 19 pupils. - 1974 – Installation of a classroom prefab (removed 1987). - 1976‑1978 – Old school building converted into a community hall. - 1980 – Finance Committee formed to fundraise for extensions. - 1982 – New principal appointed; subsequent temporary relocation of classes to the community hall (1983). - 1987 – Construction of a major extension adding classrooms, staffroom, kitchen, library and medical room. - 2005‑2006 – Further extension providing additional classrooms, a learning support room and new staff facilities. - 2012‑2013 – Department of Education sanctioned and completed an extra classroom.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach
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 Náisiúnta An Grainseach. 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 Náisiúnta An Grainseach
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach?
Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach has 137 pupils enrolled, 64 girls and 73 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach 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 Náisiúnta An Grainseach?
Scoil Náisiúnta An Grainseach has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.