Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole
Birdhill, Tipperary
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 95 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 42 girls, 53 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17296S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Náisiúnta Baile na hÍnse is a vibrant primary school situated in the rural community of Ballinahinch. The school’s ethos centres on developing the whole child within a safe, happy and respectful environment, promoting a collaborative culture of teaching and learning where every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential. Emphasis is placed on respect for all, fostering well‑rounded individuals who are tolerant of differences and confident in their abilities. The campus blends historic charm with modern facilities. Original rooms dating from 1942 remain in use alongside contemporary extensions, including a state‑of‑the‑art classroom built in 2017 that offers abundant natural light and scenic views of the surrounding hills. The school provides a balanced staffing structure comprising mainstream teachers, special‑education teachers and dedicated special‑needs assistants, supported by administrative and caretaking staff, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for the current roll of 98 pupils.
History
Ballinahinch National School opened in 1906 with six boys enrolled. In 1915 the first three girls joined the roll. The original school closed in 1942, prompting the construction of the present school grounds, some of whose 1942‑era rooms are still in use. In 1968 the nearby Killoscully school closed and its pupils transferred to Ballinahinch. Two new classrooms were added in 1996, and a modern, light‑filled classroom was completed in 2017. The school now serves 98 pupils (2024/25) and continues to build on its long‑standing community heritage.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole
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 Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole. 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 Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole?
Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole has 95 pupils enrolled, 42 girls and 53 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole 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 Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole?
Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Na Hi National Schoole has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.