Two Offaly schools unite to form a new co-educational primary school

A NEW chapter in the history of primary education in Birr has been announced, with St Brendan’s Primary School and Mercy Primary School set to come together in September 2027 to form a new co-educational primary school — Holy Family Primary School.

The new school will operate across a dual-campus model, bringing together two long-established school communities while creating a shared vision for the future of primary education in Birr.

The announcement follows the formal approval of the Patron, Bishop Fintan Monahan, and the Department of Education for the establishment of the new school.

For the people of Birr, the coming together of the two schools represents a significant moment. Both schools have proud histories and strong identities, with educational traditions deeply rooted in the work of the Presentation Brothers and the Mercy Sisters.

For generations, these traditions have helped shape the lives of children and families throughout Birr and the surrounding communities.

That history will not be forgotten — it will become part of the foundation of the new school.

The name Holy Family Primary School was selected by the Steering Committee from the many suggestions put forward by pupils, parents, staff and members of both school communities.

The name was felt to capture the spirit of what the two schools are now embarking upon: family, community, belonging, faith, hope and a shared future.

It is a name that reflects the coming together of two great educational traditions while looking forward with confidence and optimism.

The establishment of Holy Family Primary School provides an opportunity to take the very best of both schools — their traditions, values, experience, commitment to children and strong relationships with families — and build upon these foundations to create an exciting school for the future.

At the heart of the new school will be the children themselves.

Holy Family Primary School will aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child is known, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

There is already a strong sense of hope and excitement within both school communities as preparations begin for September 2027.

While there will be considerable work involved in bringing two established schools together, there is also a unique opportunity to create something special — a school community that honours its past while embracing the possibilities of the future.

The Steering Committee will continue to work with pupils, parents, staff, Boards of Management, the Patron and the Department of Education over the coming months to bring this amalgamation to fruition.

The message from both communities is clear:

We are proud of where we have come from.

We are excited about where we are going.

And we are looking forward to building it together.

Two proud traditions.

Two school communities.

One new beginning.

One shared future.

Holy Family Primary School — Birr.

Opening September 2027.