Billis National School
Ballyjamesduff, Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 78 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 31 girls, 47 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12099O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Billis National School is a mixed primary school serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. The school places a strong emphasis on a balanced curriculum that combines academic learning with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Pupils regularly take part in programmes that develop physical skills – such as karate, badminton, rounders, handball and cross‑country training at the nearby Killinkere Leisure Centre – as well as creative pursuits including drama and music. Seasonal events, from a well‑attended Christmas concert to Halloween craft stations and costume catwalks, foster a vibrant community spirit and encourage confidence and teamwork among the children. The school’s educational approach is child‑centred, promoting enquiry‑based learning and active participation. Recent initiatives, such as the Aspire project, have provided opportunities for field trips to cultural venues like Croke Park, enriching pupils’ understanding of Irish heritage. Facilities include dedicated classrooms for each class group, a multipurpose hall for sports and performances, and access to outdoor spaces for physical education. Communication with families is supported through an online padlet containing useful information for new parents, and an online admissions portal that streamlines enrolment. Billis National School also prioritises community involvement and charitable activity. Fund‑raising efforts, such as the Shoebox Appeal and student‑led goal‑post campaigns, demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. The school’s calendar is filled with events that celebrate both academic achievement and cultural traditions, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Applying to Billis 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 Billis 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 Billis National School
How many pupils attend Billis National School?
Billis National School has 78 pupils enrolled, 31 girls and 47 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Billis National School a DEIS school?
No. Billis 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 Billis National School?
Billis National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.