Ballygarvan National School
Ballygarvan, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 366 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 161 girls, 205 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16746S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballygarvan National School is a vibrant co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of Ballygarvan village, close to Carrigaline, Ballinhassig and Cork Airport. The school serves approximately 375 pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class across 16 mainstream classrooms and a dedicated special class for pupils with autism. While it operates under a Catholic patron and ethos, the school welcomes children of all faiths and none, delivering the Irish Primary School Curriculum enriched by a broad range of extracurricular activities. The school’s educational philosophy centres on the motto “Fás Trí Fhoglaim” – Growth through Learning – aiming to nurture academic, emotional, spiritual, physical and creative development. Pupils regularly engage in Gaelic games such as GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football, as well as soccer, basketball, swimming, and a variety of “taster” sessions in rugby, hockey, tennis and cricket. Cultural enrichment includes participation in quizzes, science festivals, the Cór Fhéile, chess competitions, and Ceilí dancing for Seachtain na Gaeilge, complemented by art loans from the Glucksman Gallery. Facilities include a multipurpose school hall used after‑school for drama, keyboard lessons, a Lego club and a mindfulness group. A before‑ and after‑school service is provided by Sherpa Kids, supporting families with extended care. The school’s modern environment, combined with a strong community spirit, creates a safe and happy space where children can thrive and make lasting friendships.
History
Ballygarvan National School was founded on 3 May 1858 in the townland of Ballyduhig, originally comprising two rooms (28 ft × 14 ft) for separate male and female pupils. At opening there were 85 boys and 77 girls, taught by two young teachers, John Murphy and Mary Daly, with fees covering their salaries. In 1864 the parish priest, Fr Patrick Begley, applied for a new two‑storey school‑house; construction began in 1867 and the building opened in 1870. The curriculum initially focused on English, Geography and Arithmetic, expanding in 1900 to include Science, Physical Education, Singing and Cookery, and introducing Irish language instruction. The 1870 school was burnt down on 21 December by the Black and Tans during the War of Independence, after which temporary premises were used. A new school was erected in 1926 adjacent to the former site, and the present modern building was completed in 2012.
Applying to Ballygarvan 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 Ballygarvan 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 Ballygarvan National School
How many pupils attend Ballygarvan National School?
Ballygarvan National School has 366 pupils enrolled, 161 girls and 205 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballygarvan National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballygarvan 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 Ballygarvan National School?
Ballygarvan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.