Ballyconnell Mixed National School
Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 199 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 106 girls, 93 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16093W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballyconnell Mixed National School is a Roman Catholic primary school serving children aged 4‑13 in the Ballyconnell community. The school’s ethos is rooted in Catholic values, promoting the full and harmonious development of each pupil – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – while welcoming families of other faiths who respect the school’s ethos. A strong emphasis is placed on a caring, sharing environment where virtues such as honesty, tolerance and consideration are nurtured, and where pupils are encouraged to love God and one another. The campus combines modern learning spaces with extensive outdoor facilities. A 2008 extension added a new classroom, staffroom and language‑support room, and a major refurbishment between 2009‑2011 upgraded the original building with new floors, toilets, a centre court, a football pitch, a perimeter security fence and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. The school also benefits from a purpose‑built ASD centre opened in 2017, providing specialised education for up to 12 children on the autism spectrum. The grounds include ample green space, supporting the school’s Healthy, Active and Green initiatives.
History
Scoil Naomh Bríd was constructed in 1968, replacing the former boys’ and girls’ schools that closed that year. It operated with four mainstream teachers until 2007, when a fifth teacher and two language‑support teachers were appointed. In 2008 a new rear extension comprising a classroom, staffroom and language‑support room was completed by Crossdoney Construction. From 2009‑2011 the original building underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, adding a centre court, new flooring, upgraded toilets, a new football pitch, a perimeter security fence and interactive whiteboards throughout. In September 2015 the school opened its first special class for children with ASD; funding secured in June 2015 enabled construction of a purpose‑built facility that opened in September 2017, with a second ASD class added later that year. A summer 2017 refurbishment of the original building introduced new roofing, insulation and painting, bringing total recent investment to nearly €1 million.
Applying to Ballyconnell Mixed 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 Ballyconnell Mixed 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 Ballyconnell Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Ballyconnell Mixed National School?
Ballyconnell Mixed National School has 199 pupils enrolled, 106 girls and 93 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballyconnell Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballyconnell Mixed 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 Ballyconnell Mixed National School?
Ballyconnell Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.