St Clare's National School
Ballyjamesduff, Cavan
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 422 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 198 girls, 224 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19983B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Clare’s National School in Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, is a co‑educational Catholic primary school classified as a DEIS Band 2 institution. The school serves around 425 pupils and is staffed by a dedicated team of over 50 members. It offers a broad, inclusive curriculum across 17 mainstream classes and two special‑needs classes, supported by a fully resourced Special Education Teaching (SET) department and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. A wide range of curricular and extra‑curricular programmes – from music and sports to STEM clubs and community projects – are provided to nurture each child’s potential in a caring, friendly and fun‑filled atmosphere. The campus features a modern, €4 million building opened in 2008, complemented by a new wing added in 2022 that houses three SET rooms and two specialist autism classrooms. Additional facilities include a sensory garden, a ball‑pit room, a well‑equipped playroom and up‑to‑date ICT resources. The school places strong emphasis on partnership with families, encouraging active involvement through its Home School Community Liaison programme and a vibrant Parents’ Association.
History
St Clare’s National School traces its origins to 6 February 1872 when the Poor Clare Sisters arrived in Ballyjamesduff at the request of Bishop Dr Conaty and began teaching in the original national school on Dublin Street. In 1883 the Sisters moved into a new convent‑school on Virginia Road, designed by architect William Hague Junior, which served as the main centre for girls while boys attended a separate “Convent School” before moving to the boys’ school on Oldcastle Road. In 1978 boys transferred to St Teresa’s N.S. after First Class, and in 1993 the two schools amalgamated under Sr Concepta Looney, operating across both sites. The school reconsolidated under one roof in 1999 with its first lay principal, and a purpose‑built building opened in September 2008, officially inaugurated in February 2009. DEIS status was granted in 2009, and a new wing with additional SET and autism classrooms was added in 2022. Today the school continues to thrive under the leadership of its first male principal, maintaining its Catholic ethos and commitment to inclusive education.
Applying to St Clare's 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 Clare's 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 Clare's National School
How many pupils attend St Clare's National School?
St Clare's National School has 422 pupils enrolled, 198 girls and 224 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Clare's National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Clare's 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 Clare's National School?
St Clare's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.