Ballycoog National School
Avoca, Wicklow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 21 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 10 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13224T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballycoog National School is a small Catholic, co‑educational primary school set in the picturesque village of Ballycoog, parish of Avoca, County Wicklow. The school aims to provide a welcoming environment where children are supported to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. A favourable teacher‑to‑pupil ratio ensures personalised attention and a warm, familial atmosphere. The curriculum is enhanced by modern technology, with interactive whiteboards, laptops, iPads and a range of online learning platforms such as Seesaw and Class Dojo. A strong emphasis is placed on active and green initiatives: the school runs a 200 m walking track, a playing pitch, a spacious yard with basketball hoop, and a playground featuring a tree‑house, slides, climbing frame and swings. An organic garden, orchard with polytunnel, raised beds and a wild‑flower garden provide hands‑on learning about sustainability. A broad extracurricular programme includes music, Gaelic games, rugby coaching, first‑aid training and various science‑related activities, reflecting the school’s commitment to a well‑rounded education.
History
The present school building opened in 1968, officially inaugurated by a Department of Education representative and attended by the Archbishop of Dublin. A school has served the Ballycoog area since the late 1800s; the original building now functions as the community hall. The school is located just five minutes from Woodenbridge and ten minutes from Arklow.
Applying to Ballycoog 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 Ballycoog 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 Ballycoog National School
How many pupils attend Ballycoog National School?
Ballycoog National School has 21 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 10 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballycoog National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballycoog 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 Ballycoog National School?
Ballycoog National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.