Ballinode College
Ballinode, Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 258 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 77 girls, 181 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 72360M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballinode Community College is a co‑educational post‑primary institution situated on Clarion Road in Sligo. The college delivers a broad curriculum that spans the Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle, Leaving Certificate Applied and a range of vocational programmes such as the TY LCVP/LCA pathway. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe, healthy environment where every student is nurtured to reach their full potential. The school’s ethos is built around the values of self‑esteem, justice, honesty and respect, which are reflected in both classroom practice and the wider school community. Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the college’s approach, with a low pupil‑to‑teacher ratio that enables personalised attention and strong support networks for learners. Co‑curricular provision is extensive, offering a variety of sports, clubs and extra‑curricular activities that promote holistic development. Modern learning resources, including the integration of iPads, complement traditional teaching methods, while the college’s facilities are designed to support both academic and personal growth. The college’s mission statement underpins all policy making, aiming to foster a positive learning atmosphere and to engage educational partners in the pursuit of academic excellence. This commitment is evident in the school’s focus on wellbeing, guidance services and a collaborative community that includes parents, alumni and local organisations.
Applying to Ballinode College
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ballinode College. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Ballinode College
How many pupils attend Ballinode College?
Ballinode College has 258 pupils enrolled, 77 girls and 181 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ballinode College a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballinode College 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.
What is the ethos of Ballinode College?
Ballinode College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.