Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa
Borrisokane, Tipperary
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 86 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 36 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17850S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Naisiunta Phadraig Naofa, commonly known as Kyle Park National School, is a small rural primary school situated three miles outside Borrisokane, County Tipperary. The school provides a caring, happy and secure learning environment for roughly 80‑90 pupils, with a full complement of class teachers, a Special Education Teacher and a full‑time School Nursing Assistant. Its educational ethos combines a Catholic tradition with an inclusive approach that recognises children of all faiths and none, placing a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy as foundations for personal development. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with parents and the local community, encouraging pupils to become responsible, independent and environmentally‑conscious citizens. Recent investment has transformed the historic site into a thoroughly modern learning centre. Extensions in 1999 enlarged the original classrooms and added a tennis/basketball court and car park. Further development in 2023 introduced two new Special Education Teacher rooms, a disability‑access toilet and a kitchen, while a modular building added a contemporary classroom in 2024. An EU‑funded grant in 2021 upgraded electronic equipment and systems, helping to bridge the digital divide for learners at risk of educational disadvantage. A varied programme of extracurricular activities, including gymnastics, maths power hour, yoga and community events, enhances the vibrant school life.
History
Kyle Park Agricultural School was constructed in 1834 by Thomas G. Stoney on his Kyle Park estate; it was one of the first institutions of its kind in the British Isles and earned a Silver Medal at the Royal Agricultural Society exhibition in Dublin for its design. Originally accommodating 80 boys and 50 girls in two classrooms with six acres of land for agricultural instruction, it operated as an agricultural school until 1875. The premises then served as a National School until 1953, when the present Kyle Park National School was built nearby. In 1999 the school’s classrooms were doubled in size and a sports court and car park were added. Further extensions in 2023 provided new Special Education Teacher rooms, a disability‑access toilet and a kitchen, and a modular building was added in 2024 to create a modern classroom.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa. 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 Phadraig Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa has 86 pupils enrolled, 36 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa 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 Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Phadraig Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.