SCOIL BRIDE
School Details
About
Cooloo National School is a co‑educational primary school that provides education for children from infants through to sixth class. The school operates under a Catholic ethos, guided by its mission statement and the “Grow In Love” programme for religious education. A strong sense of community underpins daily life, with close cooperation between staff, pupils and parents aimed at ensuring every child feels valued and can reach their full potential. The curriculum is delivered in a safe, happy environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. The school’s facilities include modern classrooms equipped with Chromebooks acquired through a 2021 grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, supporting learners at risk of digital disadvantage. Uniforms consist of a green tracksuit and yellow polo shirt, and the school encourages healthy lunches while prohibiting sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps. Environmental responsibility is a core value, with initiatives to minimise waste and encourage pupils to take home their lunch packaging. The school day runs from 9.20 am, ending at 2.00 pm for infants and 3.00 pm for older classes, providing a structured yet nurturing routine.
History
The present school, Saint Bridget’s National School Cooloo, was constructed between 1959 and 1960 and is believed to be the fourth educational establishment in the Cooloo area. Earlier schools included a hedge school behind Tom Fahy’s house, a thatched building in the old schoolyard, and a mass‑concrete school built in 1896 that featured four classrooms, cloakrooms, and a communal dry toilet. The current building was the first in the locality to use cavity walls and incorporated innovative features such as steel‑conduit electrical wiring and a well‑bored water supply. The construction was undertaken by James Farragher and Sons, with the foreman Austin Winston, and the school opened in 1960, continuing the tradition of serving the local community.