St Attractas National School
Roscommon
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 281 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 138 girls, 143 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19980S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Attracta’s National School is a mixed, vertical primary school situated in the town of Ballaghaderreen, operating under a Roman Catholic ethos and the patronage of the Achonry Diocese. With an average enrolment of over 260 pupils and a dedicated team of staff, the school consistently exceeds national averages in English reading, spelling and mathematics assessments. A strong emphasis is placed on early intervention, employing programmes such as Reading Recovery, Maths Recovery, Accelerated Reader and year‑round literacy and numeracy stations to build a solid foundation for all learners. The school integrates digital technologies throughout teaching and learning, guided by a Digital Learning Plan embedded in its DEIS Improvement Plan. A vibrant performing‑arts programme offers music, song, drama, a marching band and choir, with instrument lessons available to pupils from second class. Health and well‑being are promoted through a broad sports curriculum that includes Gaelic football, hurling, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, soccer and dance, supported by both internal and external coaches. The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in awards such as the Active School Flag (2021), Amber Flag (2022), multiple Science Foundation of Ireland awards and two Green Flags.
History
St Attracta’s traces its origins to 1874 when it was founded as St Francis Xavier’s School by the Sisters of Charity, led by Mother Agnes Morragh Bernard of Cheltenham. In the late 1880s an industrial school was established on the site at the request of the MP for East Mayo. The Sisters of Charity departed in 1971 and were succeeded by the Mercy Order, which continued to run the school until 1992. That year an amalgamation with the nearby St John’s Boys School, formerly run by the De La Salle Brothers, resulted in the renaming of the institution to St Attracta’s National School, honouring the patron saint of the area. The current school crest incorporates symbols from the merged schools, reflecting this shared heritage.
Applying to St Attractas 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 St Attractas 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 St Attractas National School
How many pupils attend St Attractas National School?
St Attractas National School has 281 pupils enrolled, 138 girls and 143 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Attractas National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Attractas National School 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 St Attractas National School?
St Attractas National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.