St Brendans National School
Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 177 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 78 girls, 99 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19826I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Brendan’s National School is a co‑educational, mainstream primary school serving the Cartron housing estate on the outskirts of Sligo town. It provides classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and includes two dedicated ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) classes, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive education. The school operates within a Catholic ethos while embracing a multicultural community, fostering an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and personal growth. Recent refurbishment (2019‑2020) has delivered a modern, bright learning environment equipped with interactive whiteboards, laptops, tablets and a purpose‑built ASD unit. Extensive extracurricular provision includes sports such as gymnastics, badminton and GAA activities, as well as clubs for LEGO, crafts and computer programming. The school benefits from a spectacular location overlooking Sligo Bay and the mountains Knocknarea and Benbulben, with a purpose‑built playground and an on‑site after‑school service that offers supervised homework, play and meals until 6.30 pm.
History
St Brendan’s National School opened on 1 September 1985 with 114 pupils and a staff of three teachers, initially offering Junior Infants to Second Class. The following year it expanded to include Sixth Class, and by the early 1990s enrolment had risen to 310 pupils with ten teachers. The original building comprised eight mainstream classrooms around a central PE hall; two portable cabins were later added for SEN provision. An after‑care service and a purpose‑built playground were introduced in 2005. Refurbishments in 2011 upgraded toilets and classroom furnishings, while 2015 saw the opening of two ASD classes. A major extension completed in 2021 added a modern ASD unit, upgraded electrical and heating systems, and expanded entrance and administrative areas, complemented by new furniture in 2018‑19. Today the school employs 16 teachers and 11 SNAs, catering for approximately 180 pupils.
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 177 pupils enrolled, 78 girls and 99 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Brendans National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Brendans National School 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 St Brendans National School?
St Brendans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.