ST BRENDANS NS
School Details
About
St. Brendan’s National School, Portumna, is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving the Portumna community in County Galway. With an enrolment of around 240 pupils across junior infants to sixth class and a dedicated Special Class, the school fosters a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop their talents, confidence and caring attitudes. The curriculum is underpinned by a Catholic ethos that values respect, self‑esteem and a love of learning, while the school’s commitment to academic excellence is supported by a range of extra‑curricular activities, including camogie, hurling and football teams. The school benefits from modern facilities, including a recently extended building with two new classrooms, a sports hall and specialised SEN rooms added in 2019. High‑speed broadband, provided through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, enhances digital learning opportunities. A team of teachers, special‑needs assistants and support staff work together to provide an inclusive, safe and happy atmosphere, ensuring that every pupil can reach their full potential.
History
Portumna’s first national school opened in 1841, initially taught by Thomas Cleary and his family. The Sisters of Mercy began teaching in the old convent in 1884, and a new Convent National School opened on 15 May 1893. The present institution traces its roots to St Joseph’s Girls NS and St Brendan’s Boys NS, which amalgamated in 1994 and moved into a new purpose‑built building in 1995. Subsequent extensions have added classrooms, a sports hall and dedicated SEN facilities, reflecting the school’s ongoing development and commitment to serving the local community.