N Micheal Agus Padraig
School Details
Location
About
St. Michael’s & St. Patrick’s National School (Cootehall N.S.) is a rural Catholic primary school situated on the townland of Clegna, close to the village of Cootehall. Set against views of the Boyle River and the Arigna Mountains, the school embraces a Catholic ethos that seeks the full and harmonious development of each pupil – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – and encourages a living relationship with God and with others. Its educational approach is broad and balanced, offering a modern, progressive curriculum that values both academic achievement and social development. The school campus comprises six classrooms, a multi‑purpose room used as a Special Educational Needs (S.E.T.) space, and a playschool facility operating since 1996. Extensive grounds include a garden established in 2002, painted games, and a redeveloped sports field that has been drained, levelled and reseeded. A new playground, opened by President Mary McAleese in 2010, provides safe outdoor space for the children. The curriculum covers Irish, English, mathematics, science, art, drama, geography, history, SPHE and Green Schools initiatives, and extracurricular programmes such as tin‑whistle lessons for junior pupils.
History
The school was officially opened in 1980 following the amalgamation of three local schools – Hollymount N.S., Cootehall N.S. and Knockvicar N.S. – on a site built in 1979. Since its foundation the school has expanded its facilities, adding a multi‑purpose S.E.T. room, a playschool, a garden, upgraded sports fields and a new playground opened in 2010. These developments reflect the school’s commitment to providing a modern, rural learning environment while preserving its community roots.