St Michaels Kinaff National School
Swinford, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 48 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 26 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16173U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Michael’s National School, Kinaffe is a welcoming Catholic primary school that prides itself on an inclusive ethos where every child is valued, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential. The school’s mission is rooted in Gospel values and a love of learning, fostering a caring and vibrant community that celebrates diversity. As a DCU Changemaker School, it places particular emphasis on teamwork, creativity, empathy and leadership, preparing pupils for a bright future through inspiring learning experiences and strong, supportive relationships. The school offers a comprehensive educational programme supported by a dedicated team that includes class teachers, special‑education teachers, EAL teachers and special needs assistants. This structure ensures that children with a range of learning needs receive tailored support, enabling full participation in school life. The environment is designed to nurture confidence, curiosity and kindness, with a focus on holistic development, academically, socially and emotionally, so that each pupil can thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
Applying to St Michaels Kinaff 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 Michaels Kinaff 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 Michaels Kinaff National School
How many pupils attend St Michaels Kinaff National School?
St Michaels Kinaff National School has 48 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 26 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Michaels Kinaff National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Michaels Kinaff 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 Michaels Kinaff National School?
St Michaels Kinaff National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.