Scoil Mhuire National School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 151 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 83 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20088F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the picturesque fishing village of Schull, West Cork, with stunning views of the Atlantic and the harbour nearby. The school’s ethos promotes a warm, caring and friendly atmosphere where learning and a willingness to learn are central. While operating under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, the school welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering mutual respect and valuing each individual’s uniqueness. A holistic approach underpins the curriculum, aiming to nurture the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of every pupil and to encourage a balanced, positive attitude to learning. The campus comprises eight spacious classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and a portable laptop trolley, three dedicated learning‑support and resource rooms, and a multipurpose Purpose Room (Fr. Hurley Hall). Outdoor facilities include a newly refurbished infant playground, extensive school yards, a basketball court, two hard‑surface GAA/soccer pitches with permanent goals, and an award‑winning garden featuring a willowdome and animal‑sculpture area. These creative spaces provide ample opportunities for play, exploration and the promotion of Irish language and cultural activities.
History
In 1996 Schull had two inadequate primary schools – the early‑20th‑century Convent National School and the 1895 Boy’s National School – both suffering from space, heating and lighting problems. Fr Jerome Hurley secured Department of Education and Science approval and a site for a new school. The new Scoil Mhuire National School opened its doors to 161 pupils on 14 December 1998 and was officially inaugurated on 4 May 2000. The name reflects the historic Scola Maria founded by Franciscan monks in the 14th century, a heritage echoed in the school crest. Initially providing six classrooms for 161 pupils and seven teachers, the school added an extension in 2011 with two extra classrooms, three resource rooms and additional storage, replacing four portacabins and reducing the loan taken for the expansion.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire 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 Mhuire 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 Mhuire National School
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire National School?
Scoil Mhuire National School has 151 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 83 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire National School a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Mhuire National School 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 Scoil Mhuire National School?
Scoil Mhuire National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.