Ballyoughter National School
Gorey, Wexford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 50 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 21 girls, 29 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10780L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballyoughter National School is a vibrant, community‑focused primary school that aims to nurture every child’s potential in a warm and caring environment. The school delivers a balanced curriculum that blends academic rigour with creative and active learning, encouraging curiosity, kindness and a love of discovery. Emphasis is placed on wellbeing, with programmes that promote mental health, kindness and a sense of belonging throughout the school day. The school prides itself on being an Active School and a Green School. Pupils take part in a wide range of sports, games and outdoor activities, while also engaging in environmental initiatives such as recycling, energy conservation and biodiversity projects. Recognition such as the Amber Flag highlights its commitment to mental health and wellbeing. Enrichment opportunities include Music Generation (guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel and singing), participation in the Rackard League Gaelic games, the Court Afterschool Club, and the Food Dudes healthy‑eating programme. A strong Parents’ Association further enriches school life, fostering a close‑knit community that supports and celebrates the achievements of its children.
History
Ballyoughter National School received official recognition as a National School in 1889. A second classroom was added to the building in 1948. By the end of the 2008/2009 school year, the old school had closed its doors, and in September 2009 pupils and staff transferred to a new school built on parish land nearby. The new building was officially opened in January 2010.
Applying to Ballyoughter 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 Ballyoughter 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 Ballyoughter National School
How many pupils attend Ballyoughter National School?
Ballyoughter National School has 50 pupils enrolled, 21 girls and 29 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballyoughter National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballyoughter 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 Ballyoughter National School?
Ballyoughter National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.