SCOIL NAOMH BRID
School Details
About
Scoil Naomh Bríd is a full‑vertical primary school situated on Main Street in the centre of Celbridge, Co. Kildare. Catering for Junior Infants through to Sixth Class, the school embraces a holistic approach to education, fostering tolerance, respect and inclusiveness for pupils from a wide range of social and religious backgrounds. Its motto, *Ní neart go cur le chéile* (“together we are stronger”), underpins a collaborative partnership between staff, the Board of Management, parents and the wider community. The campus comprises two school buildings with sixteen classrooms, a purpose‑built hall, a dedicated computer room equipped with sixteen networked PCs, an Accelerated Reader library and several smaller resource and learning‑support rooms. Every classroom is fitted with a teaching laptop and an interactive whiteboard, with some spaces transitioning to smart‑screen technology. Recent upgrades include a new reception area, offices and a resource room completed in 2010, and a refreshed ICT suite. The school has earned four Green Flags for its work in recycling, energy saving, water conservation and sustainable transport. A strong emphasis on inclusion is evident through the establishment of two specialist autism classes and a comprehensive suite of policies covering safeguarding, wellbeing, special educational needs and intercultural inclusion. These provisions, together with a vibrant co‑educational environment introduced at infant level in 2023, create a secure and nurturing setting for the under‑250 pupils who attend the school.
History
Founded in 1878 by the Sisters of the Holy Faith, Scoil Naomh Bríd has been a cornerstone of the Celbridge community for over a century. Until 1979 the school educated both boys and girls (boys up to 1st class), after which it operated as an all‑girls institution. In September 2023 the school re‑introduced boys at Junior Infant level, returning to a co‑educational model at the infant stage. Significant developments include the addition of a new reception area, offices and resource room in 2010, marked by a visit from President McAleese, and ongoing investment in ICT facilities.