Ballindine National School
Claremorris, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 138 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 62 girls, 76 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 01676P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballindere National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in Claremorris, County Mayo. Operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, the school provides a nurturing environment for approximately 112 pupils, supported by a dedicated team of six teachers, including a principal, a learning support teacher and a shared resource teacher. The curriculum is delivered in a modern, well‑ventilated classroom setting, with attention to both academic achievement and holistic development. The school places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of its pupils, offering regular mindfulness and wellbeing sessions that develop focus, confidence and social skills. A vibrant parent association contributes to a lively school community through fundraising events, cultural activities and support for extracurricular programmes such as sports and the arts. Uniform policies promote a sense of belonging, with distinct attire for regular days, physical education and warmer weather, ensuring practicality and consistency throughout the school week.
History
Ballindere National School traces its origins to an 1838 application for funding by Lord Oranmore of Castlemacgarrett, leading to the construction of a two‑storey schoolhouse in 1843 under the management of Lord Oranmore and Browne. The school registers date back to 1869. Initially operating as separate boys’ and girls’ schools with distinct classrooms and roll numbers, the institution merged into a single co‑educational school in 1969, adopting the original boys’ roll number. Over its 155‑year history the school has witnessed significant local events, including the Great Famine and the Fenian Rising, and has evolved from its modest two‑classroom origins to a modern primary school serving the Ballindere community.
Applying to Ballindine 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 Ballindine 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 Ballindine National School
How many pupils attend Ballindine National School?
Ballindine National School has 138 pupils enrolled, 62 girls and 76 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballindine National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballindine 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 Ballindine National School?
Ballindine National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.