Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh
School Details
Location
About
Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh is a vibrant primary school serving the Rushbrooke community, with over 730 pupils and a staff complement of more than 60. The school’s ethos centres on providing a holistic, inclusive education within a happy, caring environment. A broad curriculum is complemented by an eclectic programme of sport, music, art, drama and other extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork. Strong parental and community involvement is actively promoted, with an open‑door approach that invites families to engage in school life and decision‑making. The campus boasts modern, bright classrooms and a range of specialist spaces. Facilities include a large hall, basketball and tennis courts, a well‑maintained school garden, multiple play areas, a library, a prayer room and fully accessible bathrooms with wheelchair‑friendly doors. Dedicated resource rooms support diverse learning needs, and the school now houses four ASD (Coiscéim) classes, a sensory room and a state‑of‑the‑art occupational therapy suite. These resources underpin the school’s commitment to catering for all learners and fostering a supportive, forward‑looking learning community.
History
Founded by the Mercy Sisters in 1860 on the grounds of Rushbrooke Convent, the school began as a two‑classroom building on a quiet country road. Expansion in the 1950s replaced the original structure with a three‑classroom school, followed by further additions in 1960, 1970 (first prefabricated unit) and 1979 (six‑classroom extension with PE hall and staff facilities). Rapid local population growth in the early 2000s led to a major redevelopment; after several planning stages, a new building was constructed between June 2011 and June 2012, opening for the September 2012 school year. The modern campus now accommodates 24 mainstream classes and specialised ASD provisions, reflecting the school’s evolution from a modest convent school to a contemporary, inclusive primary institution.