Scoil Íosa
Ballina, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 242 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 116 girls, 126 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20275E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Íosa is a Catholic primary school situated in Ballina, operating under the trusteeship of the Bishop of Killala. The school’s ethos is firmly rooted in the Christian tradition and the vision of Sr Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, promoting mutual respect, self‑esteem and a nurturing environment where every child can realise their full potential. A strong commitment to the Catholic Schools Partnership ensures that spiritual development is balanced with academic rigour, encouraging pupils to explore knowledge while deepening their faith. The learning community is deliberately inclusive, welcoming children from a wide range of cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds, as well as those with special physical or intellectual needs. Modern pedagogical approaches are employed, with differentiated teaching, a variety of assessment techniques and the integration of contemporary resources to cater for diverse learning styles. Emphasis is placed on developing intellectual, cultural, physical, moral, emotional and spiritual dimensions, preparing students for active participation in a dynamic society. Facilities support a vibrant curriculum that includes visual arts, science, language classes and a well‑used library, as evidenced by regular “Time to Read” visits. The school’s policies, overseen by a dedicated Board of Management, uphold the principles of respect, empathy, trust and integrity, creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for both pupils and staff.
Applying to Scoil Íosa
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 Íosa. 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 Íosa
How many pupils attend Scoil Íosa?
Scoil Íosa has 242 pupils enrolled, 116 girls and 126 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Íosa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Íosa 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.
Does Scoil Íosa teach through Irish?
Partly. Scoil Íosa teaches some subjects through Irish.