Mercy Convent Primary School
School Details
Location
About
Mercy Convent Primary School, Naas, is a Catholic primary school that follows the Mercy Philosophy of Education, inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley. The school provides a holistic, values‑based curriculum that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual and social development of its pupils. While Junior and Senior Infants are now co‑educational, the school remains single‑sex (girls) from First to Sixth Class, reflecting its gradual transition to full co‑education. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe, caring environment where children are encouraged to reach their full potential in partnership with families. The school moved to a brand‑new, three‑storey campus in September 2025. The state‑of‑the‑art facility houses 32 mainstream classrooms, a double sports hall, a library and a range of support rooms. Outdoor provisions include a 3G astro‑turf pitch, a playground, soft‑play areas for infants, a sensory garden, a running track and plans for a grass sports field. Each classroom is equipped with modern IT resources such as interactive whiteboards, integrated storage and up‑to‑date computers, and the school benefits from a NextGenerationEU grant that supplied iPads and upgraded digital learning tools. With a diverse community of approximately 540 pupils representing 18 nationalities, the school celebrates multiculturalism and promotes inclusive learning. Its vision, “ONE”, underpins a commitment to academic excellence, personal growth and active participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities, ensuring pupils develop the skills and confidence needed for future challenges.
History
Mercy Convent Primary School was founded in 1839 by the Mercy Order of nuns, embracing the Mercy Philosophy of Education and the Catholic ethos under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Originally a full‑stream school, it has evolved to become co‑educational in Junior and Senior Infants while retaining a girls‑only provision from First to Sixth Class. The adjoining Mercy Convent Secondary School (now St Mary’s College) was established in 1936. After many years in temporary accommodation, the school opened its new purpose‑built campus in September 2025, featuring modern classrooms, sports facilities and outdoor learning spaces.