Coláiste Pobail Acla
Westport, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 232 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 126 girls, 106 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 76150V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Pobail Acla is a co‑educational, multicultural post‑primary school serving the Achill community and its surrounding areas. The school adopts a student‑centred approach, emphasising holistic development that balances academic achievement with personal growth. Guided by the motto *Mol an Óige* (“praise the young”), the curriculum is designed to encourage encouragement, support and the realisation of each pupil’s full potential. The institution places a strong emphasis on both sporting and extra‑curricular activities, recognising their importance in fostering teamwork, confidence and well‑being. A dedicated staff team works collaboratively to deliver a comprehensive education that nurtures intellectual, social and physical development, ensuring that learners are well prepared for further education and life beyond school. Through its partnership with the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, the school benefits from regional support and resources, enabling it to maintain high standards of teaching and to implement contemporary educational initiatives that meet the needs of its diverse student body.
History
Coláiste Pobail Acla builds on the rich legacy of two predecessor institutions, McHale College and Scoil Damhnait. By integrating the traditions and experiences of these earlier schools, it has created a modern educational centre that embraces future opportunities while honouring its historical roots.
Applying to Coláiste Pobail Acla
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Pobail Acla. 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: 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 Coláiste Pobail Acla
How many pupils attend Coláiste Pobail Acla?
Coláiste Pobail Acla has 232 pupils enrolled, 126 girls and 106 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Pobail Acla a DEIS school?
Yes. Coláiste Pobail Acla 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.
Does Coláiste Pobail Acla teach through Irish?
Coláiste Pobail Acla is located in a Gaeltacht area, where Irish is a community language. The Department of Education record for the school lists no subjects taught through Irish.