The Sacred Heart Primary School
School Details
Location
About
Sacred Heart Primary School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in the urban centre of Granard, County Longford. As a DEIS Band 1 institution it provides a nurturing, inclusive environment for around 250 pupils, offering a broad curriculum that balances academic rigour with personal development. The school places a strong emphasis on literacy and social‑emotional learning through programmes such as the First Steps English Programme and the Incredible Years Programme, and it promotes wellbeing with an annual Wellbeing Week and a comprehensive Personal Development programme. The school’s facilities are modern and well‑resourced, featuring a large playing area, astroturf pitch, a purpose‑built P.E. hall, computer suite, and specialist science equipment. Digital innovation is highlighted by the “Lego We Do” Digital Excellence Programme for sixth‑class students and the award of Digital School of Distinction in 2012. Dedicated support for children with additional needs includes a Rainbow Classroom for autism spectrum disorder, an Early Intervention classroom, and a range of special‑education teachers. Additional provisions such as a free book‑rental scheme, a daily hot‑meal programme, a Homework Club and access to an educational psychologist further enhance the school’s commitment to equitable, high‑quality education.
History
The school stands on a historic site in Granard, near a Motte and Bailey dating from 1199. In 1871 the Presentation Sisters arrived from Dublin, later joined by the Sisters of Mercy who built a convent in 1882 and opened the Granard Convent Girls’ School in 1891. The present school building was erected by the Sisters of Mercy and officially opened in 1977, with a learning room added in 1987. In 1999 the separate boys’ and girls’ schools amalgamated, and in September 2002 all classes moved to the current campus. A major extension—including a new P.E. hall, computer room, classroom, resource area and staff room—opened in April 2006, followed by further classroom and learning‑support additions in 2017. The most recent expansion in 2021 introduced an ASD Rainbow room and three new classrooms. The school operates as a Catholic institution while welcoming children of other denominations and is part of DEIS Urban 1 Band.