Ballycullane National School
NEW ROSS, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 55 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 34 girls, 21 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17194K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballycullane National School is a vibrant, community‑focused primary school that strives to create a happy and inclusive environment where every child can “be the best that you can be”. The school’s ethos promotes tolerance, encouragement and a growth mindset, with teachers, pupils, parents and the Board of Management working collaboratively to support each learner’s full potential. A strong emphasis is placed on literacy, numeracy, problem‑solving and computational thinking, reinforced by a 2021 grant that expanded ICT infrastructure and digital learning opportunities for pupils at risk of educational disadvantage. The school offers a well‑rounded programme of extracurricular activities, including sports days, rugby sessions, Irish dancing and community visits such as the RNLI outreach, fostering social development and cultural appreciation. Regular calendar events – from the Christmas Carol Service to student‑run bake sales – reinforce a sense of belonging and active participation. Facilities support both academic and creative pursuits, with dedicated spaces for digital learning, arts, and physical education, ensuring a balanced and stimulating educational experience for all pupils.
History
The origins of education in Ballycullane trace back to the hedge schools of the 17th‑18th centuries, established during the Penal Laws when Catholic instruction was prohibited. By 1830 a modest shed served as both chapel and classroom under the guidance of the parish priest. In 1878 a formal school was opened, later facing challenges that were resolved when David Fitzgibbon and Mrs Cardiff took leadership of the boys’ and girls’ schools respectively. Despite departmental pressure to merge the two schools in 1905, the amalgamation finally occurred in 1908, creating a unified national school with Fitzgibbon as principal and Mary Kate Larkin as privileged assistant. Larkin later became principal until her retirement in 1933. The school’s legacy is also reflected in the Dúchas Schools Collection, which records local folklore gathered by pupils in the late 1930s.
Applying to Ballycullane 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 Ballycullane 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 Ballycullane National School
How many pupils attend Ballycullane National School?
Ballycullane National School has 55 pupils enrolled, 34 girls and 21 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballycullane National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballycullane 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 Ballycullane National School?
Ballycullane National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.