Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal
Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 215 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 105 girls, 110 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19964U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is a co‑educational vertical primary school located in the town of Ballymote, County Sligo. It serves approximately 230 pupils from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class and operates under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Achonry, embedding a Catholic ethos throughout its curriculum and community life. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering programmes that promote positive mental health, resilience and well‑being for children and their families. Anti‑bullying initiatives and a clear code of behaviour support a safe and inclusive learning environment. The campus has been continually developed to meet modern educational needs. Original facilities date back to the early 20th century, with major extensions added in 1951, 1991, and 2013. Recent enhancements include an outdoor classroom and a dedicated staff car park completed in 2021, providing flexible learning spaces and improved infrastructure. Community involvement is a hallmark of the school, with regular events such as Grandparents’ Day, Catholic Schools Week celebrations and fundraising activities that foster strong ties between pupils, families and the wider parish.
History
The present school opened in 1992 when the former boys’ and girls’ national schools amalgamated, creating Scoil Mhuire gan Smál. Its roots extend back to the late 19th century, when separate infants schools for boys and girls existed in Ballymote, and a girls’ school shared the former Loftus Hall chapel. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in 1907, establishing a private school at Castle Lodge and taking charge of the local infants school by 1904 and the girls’ national school in 1918. A purpose‑built school was then erected to accommodate both schools, with extensions added in 1951 and again in 1991 in preparation for the amalgamation. Further development occurred in 2013, and the addition of an outdoor classroom and staff car park in 2021 reflects ongoing investment in the school’s facilities.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal
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
View Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal?
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal has 215 pupils enrolled, 105 girls and 110 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal 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 Gan Smal?
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.