Ballintogher National School
Ballintogher, Sligo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 87 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 47 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 02013S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Teresa’s National School is a small, five‑teacher primary school situated in the village of Ballintogher, Co. Sligo, on the scenic R290 between Ballygawley and Dromahair. Set in a picturesque rural location near Lough Gill and the Lake Isle of Innisfree, the school benefits from a tranquil environment that supports both academic learning and outdoor play. The school serves children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class, offering a balanced curriculum that incorporates literacy, numeracy, physical education and a strong emphasis on the teaching of religion, reflecting its parish roots in the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. Recent refurbishment and extension work, completed in October 2024, has modernised the facilities while retaining a welcoming atmosphere. The campus comprises four classrooms – three mainstream and a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) classroom – together with a staff room, office, storerooms and a prefabricated library. A new basketball court and an expanded rear yard provide ample space for sport and recreation, reinforcing the school’s commitment to holistic child development. Comprehensive child‑friendly and safeguarding policies further underpin a supportive, inclusive learning community.
History
The present school building, officially opened on 25 October 2024, replaces the original structure erected in 1969 and opened in 1970. That earlier building succeeded two historic parish schools: the original Ballintogher National School, established in 1840, and Crossboy School, founded in the 1870s. The evolution of the site reflects a long‑standing commitment to education in the Ballintogher area, adapting over nearly two centuries to meet contemporary educational standards while preserving its local heritage.
Applying to Ballintogher 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 Ballintogher 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 Ballintogher National School
How many pupils attend Ballintogher National School?
Ballintogher National School has 87 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 47 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballintogher National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballintogher 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 Ballintogher National School?
Ballintogher National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.