S N PADRAIG NAOFA
School Details
About
St. Patrick’s National School, Glencullen is a vibrant primary school situated in the scenic valley of the holly, about eleven miles from Dublin city centre. The school caters for over 180 pupils and is staffed by a team of teachers and special needs assistants who deliver the Irish primary curriculum within a strong Catholic ethos. Emphasis is placed on fostering a supportive community, encouraging regular attendance, and promoting holistic development through a balanced programme of academic, cultural and sporting activities. The modern campus, opened in 2005, incorporates the original 1947 classrooms together with five additional classrooms, a large purpose‑built hall, specialised play areas, a well‑tended garden and an outdoor classroom that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom walls. An ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) classroom, operated in partnership with Le Cheile, provides inclusive provision for children with additional needs. The school also runs a breakfast club and offers a range of policies that support child protection, healthy eating and digital wellbeing, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all learners.
History
Education in Glencullen dates back to Hedge Schools during the Penal era and the Old Glencullen National School founded in 1833 with the support of Daniel O’Connell MP. An application for a new national school was submitted on 31 May 1883 by Fr Smyth, leading to the opening of a school that operated from 10 am to 3 pm, staffed initially by Tim O’Driscoll. A second school for girls and infants was added in the 1840s. In 1944 a grant enabled the construction of a two‑teacher school, officially opened on 11 June 1947. Expansion continued with a third teacher and temporary classroom in 2001, culminating in a new building opened in September 2005 that retained the original classrooms and added five new rooms, a purpose hall, play areas, a garden and an outdoor classroom. Further growth saw prefabricated classrooms added in 2009 and 2013, three permanent classrooms in 2013, and the opening of an ASD classroom in 2022. Today the school serves more than 180 pupils with a staff of 11 teachers and 6 SNAs.