St Brendans National School
Bantry, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 26 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 13 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10548H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Brendan’s National School is a small, community‑focused primary school situated in the heart of Bantry, County Cork. With a roll of just 25 pupils, the school prides itself on offering a personalised, “heart‑centred” learning environment where each child receives ample attention and support. The curriculum is built around the core values of inclusion, diversity, positivity and creativity, encouraging learners to explore a wide range of activities that extend beyond the classroom. The school’s programme incorporates a rich variety of experiential learning opportunities, including arts and crafts, creative writing, gardening, wildlife exploration, mindfulness sessions and physical education such as cycling safety and swimming. Regular events such as Easter egg hunts, beach walks, fundraising initiatives and community‑help projects foster a sense of belonging and civic responsibility. Recent years have seen an influx of Ukrainian pupils, reinforcing the school’s international feel and its commitment to celebrating cultural diversity. Facilities are designed to support active, hands‑on learning, with dedicated spaces for art, craft, and outdoor exploration. The school’s small size enables flexible use of classrooms and outdoor areas, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to individual interests and promote a nurturing, supportive atmosphere for all learners.
Applying to St Brendans National School
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 St Brendans National School. 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 St Brendans National School
How many pupils attend St Brendans National School?
St Brendans National School has 26 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 13 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Brendans National School a DEIS school?
No. St Brendans National School 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 St Brendans National School?
St Brendans National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.