St Ciarans Mixed National School
Ballycumber, Offaly
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 110 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 48 girls, 62 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16435B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Ciaran’s Mixed National School (Boher National School) is a co‑educational primary school serving the Ballycumber community in County Offaly. The school provides a full range of classes from Junior Infants through to 6th Class, fostering a supportive environment that balances academic learning with a strong emphasis on personal and social development. A vibrant parents’ association underpins many of the school’s initiatives, enabling a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as athletics, music nights, science weeks, and seasonal celebrations that enrich the pupils’ experience beyond the classroom. The school’s facilities are continually developing, with a planned all‑weather play area to enhance outdoor learning and recreation. Recent investments include a poly‑tunnel garden, outdoor tap, and dedicated recycling stations, reflecting a commitment to environmental education and the Green Flag programme. Modern STEM equipment, funded through community fundraising, supports hands‑on scientific inquiry, while a specialised ASD Bellair class demonstrates the school’s inclusive approach to special educational needs. Online enrolment and clear admission policies further streamline access for families joining the school community.
Applying to St Ciarans Mixed 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 Ciarans Mixed 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 Ciarans Mixed National School
How many pupils attend St Ciarans Mixed National School?
St Ciarans Mixed National School has 110 pupils enrolled, 48 girls and 62 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Ciarans Mixed National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Ciarans Mixed 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 Ciarans Mixed National School?
St Ciarans Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.