Ballyhaunis Community School
Ballyhaunis, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 717 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 332 girls, 385 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91461C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballyhaunis Community School is a co‑educational, multi‑denominational secondary school serving the Ballyhaunis catchment area. It welcomes students of all abilities and prepares them for life beyond school through a broad and balanced curriculum that includes both traditional Leaving Certificate subjects and an extensive range of Post‑Leaving Certificate courses. The school places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of each learner, promoting equality, respect for the environment and the encouragement of innovative curricula within a safe and caring setting. The school benefits from a long‑standing staff base, with over half of its teachers possessing more than fifteen years of experience, and it offers additional support programmes such as the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme, which provides home visits, parent education and transition support. Modern facilities are highlighted through a virtual tour, and the school maintains up‑to‑date resources such as a detailed school calendar and prospectus to aid students, parents and the wider community.
History
Ballyhaunis Community School was founded in 1977 through the amalgamation of three local institutions: the Mercy Convent Secondary School (opened 1954), the Vocational School (built 1941 on the site now occupied by Manor Brook Housing Estate) and St Patrick’s College (opened 1941 on the present playing fields). The new community school now provides all second‑level education for the area and reflects the traditions of its predecessor schools while offering a wide curriculum and post‑leaving certificate programmes.
Applying to Ballyhaunis Community 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
View Ballyhaunis Community School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ballyhaunis Community School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Ballyhaunis Community School
How many pupils attend Ballyhaunis Community School?
Ballyhaunis Community School has 717 pupils enrolled, 332 girls and 385 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ballyhaunis Community School a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballyhaunis Community 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 Ballyhaunis Community School?
Ballyhaunis Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.