A community’s efforts to save their tiny rural primary school has seen pupil numbers more than triple in the past year – and now they again want to entice more families with school-going children into the area with the carrot of a relocation grant.

Scoil Naomh Pádraig in An Chloch Bhreac, a small rural primary school in north Connemara, was down to just four pupils before their recruitment drive last year – but that saw them grow to 13 for the start of this school year.

That allowed the school to retain their second teacher – the cut-off point was eleven pupils – but now their aim is to reach 20 students for the next academic year.

That’s why the Parents & Community Committee at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, An Chloch Bhreac, is again offering a €2,000 bursary to families who enrol children in the school to help with the cost of relocation.

And while the bursary will not cover rent or the full cost of moving, it is intended as practical support and a gesture of welcome from the community.

“After growing from four pupils in June 2025 to 13 today, including nine new enrolments last September, the community is now aiming to reach 20 pupils by September 2026, following the successful relocation of two families under the scheme last year,” said Margaret Kineavy, Chairperson of the Parents & Community Committee.

“Families tell us they are looking for space, safety and a school where their children are known and supported. The bursary is not about financial incentives. It is about showing that this community is willing to step forward and support a family who chooses to make their home here.

“The initiative aims to strengthen enrolment at the local primary school and help secure its long-term future at the heart of the community,” she added.

The school can already see a brighter future because the number of births and arrivals into the area augurs well for an incremental increase in a few years’ time – but this is about growing pupil numbers now.

Caption: Scoil Naomh Pádraig in An Chloch Bhreac.

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