Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon
Ballyshannon, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 682 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 311 girls, 371 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91506V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon is a post‑primary community school that operates under the joint auspices of the Bishops of Raphoe and Clogher and the Donegal Educational Training Board. The school’s ethos is built around a commitment to respect the rights and self‑worth of every learner, providing a safe and supportive environment where students can develop spiritually, academically and personally. A broad curriculum is delivered within a structured timetable that includes a six‑period day from Monday to Friday, with a shortened Wednesday schedule, and a dedicated book‑rental scheme that helps reduce textbook costs for families. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering a range of policies that support wellbeing, safeguarding, special educational needs, and health and safety. Facilities include modern classrooms, a well‑equipped library, and access to digital resources such as a 3‑D virtual tour and online video presentations. The school day is carefully organised with defined teaching periods, breaks and lunch, and the timetable is publicly available for parents and students. A comprehensive set of policy documents, including admissions, attendance, and conduct guidelines, are readily accessible, reflecting the school’s transparent and accountable governance.
Applying to Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon
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 Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon. 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 Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon
How many pupils attend Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon?
Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon has 682 pupils enrolled, 311 girls and 371 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon a DEIS school?
Yes. Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon 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 Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon?
Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.