Milford Grange National School
School Details
Location
About
Milford Grange National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the Castletroy suburb of Limerick, just behind Our Lady of Christians Church on Plassey Park Road. Set on the banks of the River Shannon and adjacent to the University of Limerick campus, the school benefits from immediate access to world‑class sporting facilities, including the university’s sports arena and pitches, as well as natural walking routes that support outdoor learning. The campus comprises a modern gymnasium, a range of purpose‑built classrooms, an outdoor classroom courtyard, and specialised spaces for music, art and drama, enabling a broad curriculum that balances academic rigour with creative and physical development. The school’s educational philosophy is multi‑faceted, aiming to nurture well‑rounded individuals who develop confidence, responsibility and teamwork. A strong emphasis is placed on the arts and sport, with a vibrant school band, regular concerts, and a variety of clubs such as Shakespeare, Irish dancing, knitting, and visual arts. Environmental stewardship is demonstrated through multiple Green Flag awards and a Healthy Eating Policy that has been in place since 1996. Together, these provisions create a rich, supportive environment that encourages a lifelong love of learning.
History
Milford Grange National School opened on 1 September 1982 in the parish of Our Lady of Christians, Castletroy, initially accommodating 57 pupils and two teachers in the Salesian Hostel and prefabricated units. Phase 1 of the permanent building, completed in 1995, provided four classrooms, a GP room, staff‑room and principal’s office. Subsequent expansions added four classrooms in 2000, a new classroom in 2007, a gymnasium in 2008 and another classroom in 2009, bringing the school to over 500 pupils, twenty‑eight teachers and thirteen Special Needs Assistants. The school celebrated its 35‑year anniversary in 2017. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the school band (1986), the first basketball team (1995), multiple Green Flag awards (first in 2002, third in 2007), and the development of an outdoor classroom and vegetable garden. The founding principal, Tom Browne, led the school for 26 years before retiring in 2008.