Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School
LIFFORD, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 38 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 22 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17469A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Cholmcille, commonly known as Cloughfin National School, is a small rural primary school situated in the village of Cloughfin, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal. The school caters for approximately 36 pupils and operates with a three‑teacher team, delivering the Irish primary curriculum under the guiding motto “Dream, Believe, Achieve”. Emphasis is placed on a supportive, community‑focused learning environment that encourages curiosity and personal growth. The school provides a range of contemporary facilities to enhance learning, including a senior‑room virtual classroom with secure password access, dedicated S.T.E.M. activities, and an internet‑safety programme for pupils and parents. Additional provisions such as Farm Safe Schools and a comprehensive set of child‑safeguarding and acceptable‑use policies demonstrate a commitment to pupil wellbeing and holistic development. Regular events, a calendar of activities and an active parental liaison further enrich the school experience.
History
Scoil Cholmcille traces its roots to the ancient spiritual landscape surrounding the nearby Beltony Stone Circle and the early monastic settlement founded by St Colmcille. Over the centuries the site evolved from early monastic teaching to hedge schools during the 18th century. In 1833, local landlord James Sinclair granted a parcel of land for a purpose‑built school, a modest one‑room building that served the community for over a century. Following the Great Famine and subsequent fluctuations in enrolment, a new school building was erected in 1943 and officially opened by Bishop Farren in November 1944, providing modern facilities and a fresh start for the children of Cloughfin. The school has continued to serve the area, preserving its historic legacy while adapting to contemporary educational needs.
Applying to Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin 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 Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin 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 Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School
How many pupils attend Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School?
Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School has 38 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 22 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School 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 Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School?
Scoil Cholmcille / Cloughfin National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.