Sancta Maria College
Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 571 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 278 girls, 293 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 64660F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Sancta Maria College is a voluntary Catholic secondary school in Louisburgh, County Mayo, operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. The college embraces the Mercy philosophy of education, promoting respect, justice, responsibility and quality teaching within an inclusive community. A broad and deep curriculum offers 26 subjects at senior cycle, supported by a one‑to‑one iPad programme that enables all learners to access and demonstrate knowledge across the curriculum. The school’s modern facilities, expanded with a new building opened in 2019 to accommodate around 500 students, provide contemporary classrooms, specialist rooms and spaces for the arts, sport and technology. Inclusive pedagogy is central, with learning styles identified through CAT4 results, previous school records and ongoing assessment, ensuring teaching methods meet diverse needs. A well‑structured Additional Educational Needs department offers individualised learning plans, with dedicated classes for students with autism and moderate learning disabilities. Co‑curricular provision is extensive, featuring house structures, “WOW” enrichment classes, a wide range of sports, arts, public speaking and musical activities, encouraging every pupil to develop holistically and become their best self.
History
Sancta Maria College traces its origins to October 1919 when two Sisters of Mercy, Mother M. Gertrude Chambers and Sr Columba Waldron, arrived in Louisburgh and established a school that welcomed both boys and girls, making it Ireland’s first co‑educational Catholic secondary school. Initial lessons were held in the dining room of McDermott’s Hotel, and by 1920 a secondary school was officially announced. A new convent and school building began construction in 1924, funded by local fundraising efforts. In 1960 the “Sancta Maria” building was erected and the school adopted its present name, also operating as the only co‑educational Catholic boarding school in the country. An extension was added between 1984 and 1986. The centenary was celebrated in 2019 with the opening of a state‑of‑the‑art building to serve a student body of approximately 500.
Applying to Sancta Maria College
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 Sancta Maria College. 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 Sancta Maria College
How many pupils attend Sancta Maria College?
Sancta Maria College has 571 pupils enrolled, 278 girls and 293 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Sancta Maria College a DEIS school?
No. Sancta Maria College 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 Sancta Maria College?
Sancta Maria College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.