A Suburban School With a Village Heart

We are very fortunate to be situated on approximately 1.2 hectares of beautiful grounds in Ballyroan, Rathfarnham, and to be part of a wonderful close-knit community. In essence, we have always been a suburban school with a village heart. Indeed, many of our staff members and parents/guardians are past pupils themselves and can attest to this! We regularly meet past pupils and staff members who share their happy memories of their school years here.

We take pride in our school and the values it represents: Kindness, community, diligence and inclusivity. Together, we create a supportive and joyful environment where every pupil can thrive academically and personally.

SNP’s mission statement:

We strive, in collaboration with parents, to provide a holistic education, in a Christian, caring and secure environment where each child is encouraged to achieve according to the best of her/his ability.

SNP Flags and Awards

Facilities
History
Ethos
Philosophy

Our Facilities

Our pupils have always had access to a wide range of high-quality facilities that have been added to and updated over the years. These include a school garden and tree-lined areas, large green spaces, a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art playground equipment, a sports pitch, digital technologies, an impressive stage for performances, a spacious hall for sports and assemblies, a basketball court and sensory and quiet rooms. Our caretaker Michael works very hard to maintain our buildings and grounds to a high standard.

Our History

Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Ballyroan (also known as St. Patrick’s National School) was founded by the Mercy Order in 1966. Catherine Mc Auley who founded the Mercy Order believed passionately that no work could be “more productive to society than the education of the young”. She strove to educate the young to make them self-reliant and capable of valuing themselves and their work and we strive to ensure that we do the same today. While the Mercy Order are no longer trustees, the ethos of the Mercy Order is still imbued in the aims of the school. The management and the staff strive to maintain this ethos.

SNP’s Ethos

At Scoil Naomh Pádraig, we are dedicated to nurturing both the personal and academic growth of every child. Our mission is brought to life through the collaborative efforts of our Board of Management, staff, parents, and the entire school community. Together, we foster moral and religious values, ensuring that we meet the unique needs of all our students.

As a Catholic primary school under the caring patronage of the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin, we embrace a spirit that reflects the love and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. We take pride in welcoming children from all religious backgrounds, creating an environment filled with warmth, care, and respect for everyone. Inclusivity is at the heart of our school, where each child is valued and encouraged to thrive.

Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy is that of a Mercy School – a Christian Catholic community of parents, students, teachers, special needs assistants, school leaders and other staff working together.

We strive to:

Ensure that each pupil reaches her/his full educational potential
Attain high education standards
Ensure an inclusive environment for children with additional education needs
Ensure that we welcome and embrace diversity
Support our pupils to make them self-reliant and capable of valuing their own worth
Show a compassionate concern for the poor
Share a concern for justice in society
Encourage awareness of preserving our environment
Develop tolerant and caring members of society

What Parents are Saying

“It’s a true community”

Scoil Naomh Pádraig is more than just a school—it’s a true community. Seeing our children walk in each morning with big smiles on their faces says it all. The warmth, support and happiness they feel here are unmatched. As part of the Parents’ Association, I’ve found it’s not just about giving back; it’s about showing our kids the importance of being active members of their community, building memories, and leaving a lasting legacy. We’re absolutely delighted that both our kids are part of the Scoil Naomh Pádraig family!

Bryan Hickson

Parent of 2 SNP students

“Nurturing environment where our children thrive”

As parents of three daughters, our experience with Scoil Naomh Padraig (SNP) has been incredibly positive. The dedicated teachers create a nurturing environment where our children thrive, and the diverse activities make learning engaging and fun. We are genuinely grateful that our family are part of this vibrant school — a place where lifelong memories are made!

Aengus & Jacinta Heaney

Parents of 3 SNP students

“I could not recommend SNP enough”

I am a parent of two girls that have attended and one that is still attending SNP. From the moment they both started in Junior infants they both flourished. They both genuinely love the school and they are two very different kids. The school keeps them busy at all times with sports, plays, talks, outings the list goes on. In terms of their education, the teachers have been excellent and I feel my girls have also built a special bond with the teachers, vice principal and principal.
Simply put, I could not recommend SNP enough and I am truly grateful for all they have done and are doing for my girls, both in terms of education and development.

Noel Anderson

Parent of 2 SNP students

“The environment in the ‘Fireflies class’ is so amazing”

Two of our children have Autism, a diagnosis which can be very daunting and life changing. The environment that has been established in the “Fireflies class” is just so amazing. Each child is included, nurtured, and encouraged to meet their own individual potential, whatever that may be, in an environment which is comfortable and safe. The world of a neurodiverse child is different and requires great patience, adaptability and respect. The staff of “Fireflies”, both teachers and SNAs, are truly invaluable and are so unique and they deserve huge admiration. We are very lucky and grateful to each and every one of them for all they do to ensure our children get the best start in their education journey!

Fearghus and Marion Vaughan

Parents of 3 SNP students

“I learnt so much about honesty, hard work, and respect”

I loved all my years in Scoil Naomh Padraig and I’m going to miss it so much. I have made so many friends and had lots of opportunities. I learnt so much about honesty, hard work, and respect, and I hope to carry all of that with me as I go into secondary school. We have had lots of great laughs and made so many memories, and I hope the future pupils enjoy their time as much as I did.

Sally Brazil

Student, Class of 2024

“The school goes above and beyond to cater to all abilities and religions”

As parents we couldn’t be more grateful for Scoil Naomh Pádraig. From our twin girls’ first day in the school, we were welcomed into a warm and supportive community where every child is treated as an individual with their own unique needs. The school goes above and beyond to cater to all abilities, ensuring that each student thrives.
Although it has a Catholic ethos, the school has worked hard to ensure our children, who are non-denominational, have never felt different or excluded.
We feel very fortunate to be part of such an inclusive and nurturing environment.

Ann and Mark O’Neill

Parents of 2 SNP students

“Where kindness is nurtured and happiness grows”

My children (both past and present) are proud to be a part of Scoil Naomh Padraig. The children here have a shared sense of belonging to the school community where all voices are heard and every student is made to feel included. The entire staff from Clare our secretary, the SNAs and teachers to the Parents Association and our fabulous caretaker, Michael – everyone is committed to making Scoil Naomh Padraig a welcoming and warm environment, where kindness is nurtured and happiness grows. It is a school full of fun where every child is given the space to learn and the belief that he/she can be whatever they want to be!
Scoil Naomh Padraig is a happy place!!

Orla Brazil

Parent of SNP students

About SNP