Scoil Mhuire Boys & C
Stranorlar, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 489 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 232 girls, 257 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19927O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire B & C is a vibrant primary school that prides itself on being a happy, safe environment where every child matters. The school’s ethos centres on recognising, developing and celebrating each pupil’s unique character and abilities, encouraging pride in work and valuing achievements. A strong sense of community underpins daily life, with the commitment and vitality of students, staff and parents creating a caring atmosphere that extends into the wider Irish and global community. The campus combines traditional and modern facilities. Original separate buildings for boys and girls have been expanded with a four‑classroom extension (added in the late 1960s) and a purpose‑built room (1974) for indoor activities when weather restricts outdoor play. Nine prefabricated units provide flexible space for mainstream teaching, language support and specialised learning groups. Security is enhanced by an ADT alarm system and Swift Security CCTV, ensuring a secure setting for pupils. A broad extra‑curricular programme, school calendar and parent resources support holistic development and strong home‑school links.
History
Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar opened on 17 February 1958, replacing an earlier school dating from 1888. The new building was designed for 300 pupils with separate sections for boys and girls, accessed via a gate beside the church footpath and originally surrounded by gardens. A four‑classroom extension was added in the late 1960s, followed by a purpose‑room in 1974. Growing enrolments led to the installation of nine prefabricated classrooms used for mainstream and language‑support groups, as well as the introduction of an ADT alarm system and Swift Security CCTV. In 1988 the boys’ and girls’ schools amalgamated. By 2008 the school accommodated 515 pupils (10 % non‑nationals) with a staff complement that included mainstream teachers, SET team members and support personnel.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire Boys & C
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 Mhuire Boys & C. 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 Mhuire Boys & C
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire Boys & C?
Scoil Mhuire Boys & C has 489 pupils enrolled, 232 girls and 257 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire Boys & C a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Mhuire Boys & C 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 Mhuire Boys & C?
Scoil Mhuire Boys & C has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.