St Michaels
School Details
Location
About
Saint Michael’s National School is a small, vibrant and diverse primary school situated in the heart of Limerick city, between The Peoples Park and Saint Michael’s Church on Barrington Street. With just under 120 pupils, the school offers a close‑knit community where small class sizes enable personalised attention and an inclusive atmosphere. Families from more than twenty different countries are represented, and the school celebrates this cultural richness through regular events that promote respect and understanding for all backgrounds and abilities. The educational approach is rooted in the Church of Ireland ethos, providing religious education in line with its doctrines while fostering the formation of pupils in the faith. The curriculum is complemented by modern facilities, including four purpose‑built classrooms, a resource room, a gymnasium/hall, a library, a sensory garden (opened 2020), and a recent extension (opened October 2019). High‑speed broadband, introduced through the Department of Education’s programme, supports contemporary learning, and an after‑school service has been available since September 2024. Dedicated staff strive to create an enjoyable and supportive learning environment, encouraging each child to reach their full potential. The school’s commitment to special educational needs and English as an additional language is reflected in additional teaching and ancillary support funded by the Department of Education since 2000.
History
Saint Michael’s National School welcomed its first pupils in November 1882 and entered the National School system in January 1885, originally occupying a two‑room building with 34 girls and 43 boys. Early fees were six shillings, rising to eight shillings the following year, and the curriculum included reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, needlework and agriculture for boys. Located at 11 Barrington Street, the school was extended in 1953, 1964 and 1968; the latter year saw the amalgamation with Villiers Primary School. By 1971 the school employed five teachers, reducing to four in 1976. In 1984 new classrooms were added, providing four classrooms, a resource room, gymnasium/hall, library, staff room, office and storage. Since September 2008 there have been five mainstream class teachers, and from 2000 the Department of Education & Skills has funded additional staff for Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language pupils. A fundraising initiative in 2002 led to the publication of a living history of the school, with proceeds supporting field trips.