Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr)
New Ross, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 312 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 139 girls, 173 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20481H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine McAuley Junior School) is a co‑educational junior school in New Ross, County Wexford, catering for children from early years up to 2nd class. The school operates from a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Castlemoyle, Bawnmore, which it shares with its sister senior school, Bunscoil Rís, creating a seamless transition for pupils from junior to senior levels. The learning environment is designed to support the full development of each child, offering a broad range of in‑school and extra‑curricular programmes, from sports and arts to academic enrichment, underpinned by a strong pastoral care ethos. The school’s Catholic ethos informs its values of friendliness, welcoming, support and respect, while remaining inclusive of pupils from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds – currently representing eight religions and twenty‑three nationalities. A vibrant parent community works alongside dedicated staff to foster a nurturing atmosphere where children are encouraged to explore, learn and grow confidently within a caring, collaborative community.
History
After extensive planning, the pupils of St Joseph’s National School, Michael St. National School and the Christian Brothers National School in New Ross amalgamated into two co‑educational schools – Catherine McAuley Junior School and Edmund Rice Senior School – in September 2016. The new schools moved into modern buildings at Castlemoyle, Bawnmore on 2 February 2017. The Irish name Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh reflects the legacy of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters, who have served New Ross since 1853, and Edmund Rice of the Christian Brothers, present since 1849.
Applying to Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr)
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 Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr). 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 Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr)
How many pupils attend Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr)?
Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr) has 312 pupils enrolled, 139 girls and 173 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr) a DEIS school?
Yes. Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr) 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 Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr)?
Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh (Catherine Mcauley Jnr) has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.