The Sacred Heart Primary School
Longford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 250 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 138 girls, 112 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20101R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Sacred Heart Primary School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in the urban centre of Granard, County Longford. As a DEIS Band 1 institution it provides a nurturing, inclusive environment for around 250 pupils, offering a broad curriculum that balances academic rigour with personal development. The school places a strong emphasis on literacy and social‑emotional learning through programmes such as the First Steps English Programme and the Incredible Years Programme, and it promotes wellbeing with an annual Wellbeing Week and a comprehensive Personal Development programme. The school’s facilities are modern and well‑resourced, featuring a large playing area, astroturf pitch, a purpose‑built P.E. hall, computer suite, and specialist science equipment. Digital innovation is highlighted by the “Lego We Do” Digital Excellence Programme for sixth‑class students and the award of Digital School of Distinction in 2012. Dedicated support for children with additional needs includes a Rainbow Classroom for autism spectrum disorder, an Early Intervention classroom, and a range of special‑education teachers. Additional provisions such as a free book‑rental scheme, a daily hot‑meal programme, a Homework Club and access to an educational psychologist further enhance the school’s commitment to equitable, high‑quality education.
History
The school stands on a historic site in Granard, near a Motte and Bailey dating from 1199. In 1871 the Presentation Sisters arrived from Dublin, later joined by the Sisters of Mercy who built a convent in 1882 and opened the Granard Convent Girls’ School in 1891. The present school building was erected by the Sisters of Mercy and officially opened in 1977, with a learning room added in 1987. In 1999 the separate boys’ and girls’ schools amalgamated, and in September 2002 all classes moved to the current campus. A major extension, including a new P.E. hall, computer room, classroom, resource area and staff room, opened in April 2006, followed by further classroom and learning‑support additions in 2017. The most recent expansion in 2021 introduced an ASD Rainbow room and three new classrooms. The school operates as a Catholic institution while welcoming children of other denominations and is part of DEIS Urban 1 Band.
Applying to The Sacred Heart Primary 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 The Sacred Heart Primary 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 The Sacred Heart Primary School
How many pupils attend The Sacred Heart Primary School?
The Sacred Heart Primary School has 250 pupils enrolled, 138 girls and 112 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is The Sacred Heart Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. The Sacred Heart Primary 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 The Sacred Heart Primary School?
The Sacred Heart Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.