Ballinahowen National School
Westmeath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 96 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 52 girls, 44 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19632S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Colmcille’s National School, Ballinahown is a Catholic educational community situated in Ballinahown, Athlone, County Westmeath. Operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, the school embraces the message and values of Jesus Christ while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all pupils. The ethos is centred on holistic development, aiming to nurture academic, intellectual, physical, sporting, artistic, social, moral, spiritual and religious dimensions of each child’s life. A strong emphasis is placed on the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, reliability and self‑control – which shape the happy and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school. The teaching team works to the highest professional standards, supported by dedicated ancillary staff, to ensure that every pupil’s abilities and talents are developed to their fullest potential. Parents are recognised as primary educators and are actively involved in school life through collaborative partnerships, while the Board of Management provides oversight in harmonious co‑operation with all stakeholders. The school’s community spirit is reflected in a range of initiatives such as the Amber Flag environmental programme, SPHE projects, music video productions, and participation in local quizzes and cultural events, demonstrating a vibrant, well‑rounded curriculum beyond the classroom. Facilities include access to the Ballinahown Community Polytunnel for gardening projects, modern classroom spaces, and resources that support both creative and sporting activities. The school’s commitment to safety and well‑being is evident through resources like the “Stay‑Safe Parents’ Guide” and regularly updated school calendars and closure notices.
Applying to Ballinahowen 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 Ballinahowen 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 Ballinahowen National School
How many pupils attend Ballinahowen National School?
Ballinahowen National School has 96 pupils enrolled, 52 girls and 44 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballinahowen National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballinahowen 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 Ballinahowen National School?
Ballinahowen National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.