An Ghrianan National School
School Details
Location
About
An Grianán National School is a co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the heart of Mount Temple village, near Moate, County Westmeath. The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum rooted in a Catholic ethos, fostering academic achievement alongside personal development. Emphasis is placed on respect, kindness and enjoyment of learning, encapsulated in the school motto: *Work Hard! Have Fun! Be Kind to Everyone!*. The learning environment is designed to be caring, safe and inclusive, with strong partnerships linking staff, pupils, parents, the Board of Management, the parish and the wider community. A wide range of extracurricular activities supports the development of well‑rounded learners, preparing them for future challenges. Facilities combine the historic original building with modern extensions added since 2002, creating spacious classrooms, new corridors and specialised rooms. An innovative energy upgrade under the Pathfinder Energy Retrofit scheme has made the school the only one in Ireland to use geothermal energy for heating, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and forward‑looking practice.
History
An Grianán National School opened on its present site in 1964 after previously operating from the local community centre. Since then the school has expanded in both numbers and physical size, celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2014 with a special Mass and a commemorative booklet. The original 1964 building remains in use, now surrounded by four extensions and refurbishments completed since 2002. A recent energy upgrade under the Pathfinder Energy Retrofit scheme introduced geothermal heating, making the school unique in Ireland. Throughout its history, the school has remained centred on the children, adapting to change while maintaining its core values.