Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde
Ballyhaunis, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 103 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 49 girls, 54 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16756V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Naisiunta Brighde (Tooreen N.S.) is a rural, co‑educational primary school located in the village of Tooreen, Co. Mayo. With an enrolment of 114 pupils, the school provides a supportive learning environment staffed by a team that includes mainstream teachers, special‑education teachers, special needs assistants, a secretary and a caretaker. The school’s ethos centres on partnership with parents and the holistic development of each child, fostering a love of learning, respect, responsibility and confidence. Emphasis is placed on creating balanced, well‑rounded young people who are happy, cooperative and capable of reaching their full potential. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of traditional classroom teaching and a variety of enrichment activities. Recent projects have included probability and chance in mathematics for fourth class, basket‑weaving in art for third class, and participation in Scór na bPáistí, reflecting a commitment to both academic rigour and cultural heritage. Inclusive provision is a key feature, with dedicated special‑education staff and assistants supporting pupils with additional needs. Modern facilities support the school’s educational aims, notably high‑speed broadband connectivity supplied via the Department of Education School Broadband Programme under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This infrastructure enables enhanced digital learning resources and ensures the school remains up‑to‑date with contemporary teaching methods.
History
The old school at Crossard operated from 1872 until it closed in December 1928, after which St. Brigid's new school opened in Tooreen in 1929. It ran as two separate units, each with two teachers: Stannie Flanagan and Lucy Freyne taught the boys, while Annie Flanagan and Biddy Jordan taught the girls. Annie Flanagan's retirement in 1949 left the post unfilled, and the two schools then combined to form a single mixed school with three teachers. Falleighter School merged into St. Brigid's in 1972, and in 1975 Carrownedan school closed, with its pupils and teacher moving to Tooreen. The original building was renovated in 1967 but continued to deteriorate, and a new school was built in 1997. Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., then Minister for Education, formally opened the new school building on November 14th, 1997.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde
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 Brighde. 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 Brighde
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde?
Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde has 103 pupils enrolled, 49 girls and 54 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde 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 Náisiúnta Brighde?
Scoil Náisiúnta Brighde has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.