Scoil Choluim
Fanad, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 30 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 18 girls, 12 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16279N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Choluim is a small rural primary school situated on the west side of the Fanad Peninsula, approximately 3.4 km from the Mulroy Bridge in Ballyheerin, County Donegal. With a current enrolment of around 24 children, the school operates two dedicated classrooms – a junior room for Junior Infants to 2nd class and a senior room for 3rd to 6th class – fostering a close‑knit learning environment where each pupil receives personalised attention. The school is under Catholic patronage but welcomes children from both Catholic and Church of Ireland backgrounds, promoting an inclusive ethos that reflects the local community. The curriculum follows the Irish National Curriculum, delivered by experienced teachers who integrate creative, hands‑on activities to develop both academic skills and personal resilience. A special‑education provision, including a dedicated special‑education teacher and support assistants, ensures that pupils with additional needs are fully supported. The school benefits from an active Board of Management, a vibrant Parents Association and strong community involvement, creating a safe, supportive hub for learning and cultural activities.
History
Scoil Choluim opened in 1913 and marked its centenary in 2013, celebrating a hundred years of education on the Fanad Peninsula.
Applying to Scoil Choluim
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 Choluim. 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 Choluim
How many pupils attend Scoil Choluim?
Scoil Choluim has 30 pupils enrolled, 18 girls and 12 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Choluim a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Choluim 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 Choluim?
Scoil Choluim has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.