Balla National School
Balla, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 202 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 98 girls, 104 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17119T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Balla National School is a vibrant primary school situated in the heart of Balla, Co. Mayo, serving over 200 pupils from a wide range of backgrounds. The school operates an inclusive ethos, providing eight mainstream classrooms supported by specialist education teachers and dedicated support assistants to meet individual learning needs. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic development – academic, social, cultural, physical and spiritual – with a curriculum that integrates digital technology, environmental stewardship and mental‑well‑being initiatives such as the Green School, Active School and Amber Flag programmes. The campus boasts modern, bright classrooms equipped with interactive white‑boards, laptops and a trolley of iPads, reflecting its Digital School of Distinction status. Facilities include a large purpose‑built GP room, an on‑site pitch, access to nearby AstroTurf, three well‑maintained playgrounds with a newly upgraded basketball court, and a colourful library that promotes a love of reading. Sporting success in football, hurling, cross‑country and other activities, together with participation in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme and European Blue Star School network, underline the school’s commitment to fostering confidence, teamwork and lifelong learning.
History
The original application for a school in Balla was made on 11 May 1832 by Fr P Nolan, supported by Sir Francis Lynch Blosse, who donated a site at a nominal rent. Construction began with an estimated cost of £120, ultimately reaching £140, and the building opened in 1835 under the joint trusteeship of the Church of Ireland and the Catholic parish. Early teachers included Mr Kilgarrif (1835‑1847) and Mr Thomas Towey (1848). After a suspension (1839‑1842) the school operated separate boys’ and girls’ rooms, later managed by the Lynch Blosse family and clergy. A new school building was erected in 1937, and in 1974 an amalgamation combined Balla Boys, Balla Girls and the local Prison School. Extensions in 2012 added three classrooms, and a resource teaching room with improved access facilities opened in September 2014.
Applying to Balla 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.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Balla 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 Balla National School
How many pupils attend Balla National School?
Balla National School has 202 pupils enrolled, 98 girls and 104 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Balla National School a DEIS school?
No. Balla National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Balla National School?
Balla National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.