Scoil Phadraig Naofa
Baile Átha Í, Kildare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 592 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 294 girls, 298 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16705E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Phádraig Naofa is a co‑educational primary school in Athy offering full‑time education from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. Situated on the modern Athy Education Campus, the school benefits from a purpose‑built environment alongside Gaelscoil Átha Í, Athy Model School and Athy College, providing ample space for classroom learning, specialist facilities and outdoor play areas. Recent development has seen the construction of a new eight‑classroom block in Tomard and plans for a larger 24‑classroom building, reflecting a commitment to contemporary, well‑equipped learning spaces. The school adopts a balanced curriculum that blends academic rigour with a strong emphasis on creative and sporting activities. Recent highlights include the inaugural art exhibition “Secrets of the Sea” and active participation in the Kennelly Cup football competition, demonstrating a vibrant extracurricular programme. A dedicated early‑intervention unit (Rose Rooms) supports pupils with autism spectrum disorder, underscoring the school’s inclusive ethos and focus on personalised learning pathways. Community involvement is a cornerstone of school life, with regular events such as newsletters, local author visits and support for Athy GFC. These initiatives foster a sense of belonging and encourage pupils to engage positively with the wider Athy community while developing confidence, teamwork and cultural awareness.
History
The school’s origins date to July 1860 when Archbishop Dr Cullen invited the Irish Christian Brothers to Athy, purchasing land at St John’s and erecting a two‑room school. The first brothers arrived in August 1861, and 120 boys enrolled immediately. Throughout the 19th century the Brothers were praised for maintaining religious instruction despite refusing state aid. The centenary was celebrated in 1961, the same year the present primary school was formally opened by Rev. Fr V Steen. A new extension was added in 1980 (£54,000 cost). In September 1984 the Brothers departed after 133 years, and the school was renamed St Patrick’s School, later becoming Scoil Phádraig Naofa. On 1 December 2008, senior pupils (4th–6th class) moved to a new eight‑classroom building in Tomard, with a further 24‑classroom facility projected for completion in June 2011.
Applying to Scoil 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 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 Phadraig Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Phadraig Naofa has 592 pupils enrolled, 294 girls and 298 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Phadraig Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil 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 Phadraig Naofa?
Scoil Phadraig Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.