St. Hugh's National School
Leitrim
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 51 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 29 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18181G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Saint Hugh’s National School is a small, rural primary school situated on the Leitrim side of the River Shannon at the edge of Dowra, serving the surrounding communities of Ballinaglera and Dowra. With an enrolment of around 43 pupils, the school operates a two‑teacher model complemented by a shared Learning Support teacher and a shared Resource teacher, allowing for personalised attention and inclusive education for all learners. The modest size fosters a close‑knit community atmosphere where children benefit from low pupil‑to‑teacher ratios and strong continuity across the junior and senior infant, as well as the primary classes. The school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and environmental stewardship, exemplified by its on‑site polytunnel where pupils grow a variety of vegetables and herbs such as radishes, carrots, basil and pumpkins. These activities are integrated into the curriculum to develop practical skills, teamwork and an appreciation of sustainable food production. The rural setting also provides ample opportunities for outdoor learning, with the nearby Shannon and surrounding countryside serving as natural classrooms for exploration and discovery.
History
The institution began as Cornagee National School, originally a hedge school established in 1854 in the townland of Cornagee. Its first principal was Philip Cornyn, succeeded by Michael McMorrow in 1872. In 1881 the school moved opposite the main road to the townland of Kilmore, occupying a building known as “the Old Barrack” previously used by the R.I.C. Over the ensuing decades the school saw a succession of principals and assistants, including Thomas McKeon, Kate McKeon (later Flynn), and Peter S. Clancy. A new school building was opened in 1959, 430 yards south of the original site, and the school became the sole national school for the parish in 1977. In May 2007 the school was renamed Saint Hugh’s National School in honour of the patron saint of Ballinaglera parish, reflecting its deep local heritage. Recent decades have seen the introduction of shared learning support and resource staff, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education.
Applying to St. Hugh'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
View St. Hugh's National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St. Hugh's National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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. Hugh's National School
How many pupils attend St. Hugh's National School?
St. Hugh's National School has 51 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 29 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St. Hugh's National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St. Hugh'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. Hugh's National School?
St. Hugh's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.