St Marys National School Grange
School Details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Grange is a Catholic primary school situated in the rural heartland of Grange, County Waterford. The school provides a nurturing environment for around 60 pupils, fostering an enquiring mind, a love of learning and respect for others. Its educational ethos prioritises a happy, respectful and safe atmosphere where children can develop confidence and reach their full potential. The curriculum is delivered to high standards across a broad range of subjects, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. Small class sizes enable personalised attention, while the active parents association supports fundraising and community involvement. The school’s facilities have been modernised since the mid‑20th century, offering suitable classrooms and resources that support both academic and creative pursuits.
History
The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006, but education in Grange dates back at least a century before the current building. The original school also served as a church until 1839. In 1868 it split into separate boys’ and girls’ schools, operating under the Sexton family during a period of post‑famine hardship. After a brief closure in 1888, new principals revived the schools, and in 1903 the institution became an all‑Irish school under Deaglán Ó Cuilliú. The school continued to evolve, with a new building erected during John Cashman’s tenure (1942‑1958). Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, dedicated teachers worked under modest conditions to provide a solid education for the community’s children.