Ballybay Central National School
Monaghan
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 66 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 30 girls, 36 boys
- Ethos
- Presbyterian
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19884W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballybay Central School, situated on the Castleblayney Road just outside Ballybay, provides a warm, inclusive and nurturing learning environment for children from Junior Infants to Senior Infants. The school embraces a child‑centred approach, making learning playful, engaging and interactive while recognising the individuality of each pupil. A strong emphasis is placed on meeting the diverse needs of learners, with dedicated support for Special Educational Needs, English as an Additional Language and a range of supplementary assistance staff. The school benefits from modern infrastructure, including high‑speed broadband delivered through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, enhancing digital learning opportunities. Recent investment from SSE Renewables, the East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund and the Student Council has enabled the development of an upgraded outdoor play area, providing safe and stimulating spaces for physical activity. The staffing team comprises three mainstream class teachers, a full‑time SEN teacher, a part‑time EAL teacher and additional support personnel, ensuring a comprehensive educational provision. Open afternoons invite prospective families to experience the school’s welcoming atmosphere, and the school’s ethos celebrates the uniqueness of every child, fostering an environment where all students can flourish regardless of religious background or nationality.
History
Ballybay Central School was officially opened in May 1987. Located on the Castleblayney Road just outside Ballybay, the school operates under Presbyterian management and was established to serve the local Protestant community while also welcoming children from the wider catchment area and families of all faiths and nationalities.
Applying to Ballybay Central 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 Ballybay Central 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 Ballybay Central National School
How many pupils attend Ballybay Central National School?
Ballybay Central National School has 66 pupils enrolled, 30 girls and 36 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballybay Central National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballybay Central National School 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 Ballybay Central National School?
Ballybay Central National School has a Presbyterian ethos. It is a mixed primary school.