Acres National School
Burtonport, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 70 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 37 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18286U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Cholmcille Acres is a Catholic co‑educational primary school situated in the rural community of Acres, Burtonport, County Donegal. The school’s vision is to stimulate each child, through positive learning experiences, to achieve their full potential, face life confidently, find fulfilment and act respectfully in an ever‑changing world. Its motto, “Treat others as you would like them to treat you”, underpins a nurturing ethos that promotes the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual development of pupils. The school operates under the patronage of the Bishop of Raphoe and embraces a Catholic ethos that informs its curriculum, religious education and daily life. It follows a vertical mainstream model, welcoming children of all ages in a single school community, and does not operate separate special‑educational classes. A clear code of behaviour and safeguarding policies support a safe, inclusive environment where pupils can engage in a broad curriculum and extracurricular activities. Facilities are designed to support a holistic approach to learning, providing spaces for classroom instruction, play, and community gatherings, all aligned with the school’s commitment to fostering a living relationship with God and with others.
Applying to Acres National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Acres National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Acres National School
How many pupils attend Acres National School?
Acres National School has 70 pupils enrolled, 37 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Acres National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Acres National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Acres National School teach through Irish?
Acres National School is located in a Gaeltacht area, where Irish is a community language. The Department of Education record for the school lists no subjects taught through Irish.