St Marys College
Sligo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 264 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 107 girls, 157 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 65130E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Mary’s College is a co‑educational, voluntary secondary school in Ballysadare operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. The college’s mission is to provide a Christian‑based learning environment that partners with parents and the wider community, fostering respect, responsibility and resilience alongside academic achievement. It offers a broad curriculum across Junior, Transition and Senior Cycles, with a strong emphasis on both core subjects and personal development, preparing students for third‑level study, apprenticeships or direct entry to the world of work. The school benefits from extensive facilities that have developed over decades of expansion. Modern science laboratories, a well‑stocked library, dedicated woodwork and Design & Communications Graphics suites, and specialised home‑economics and computer rooms support a diverse range of subjects. Sporting provision includes tennis and basketball courts as well as Gaelic and soccer pitches. Recent upgrades include additional ASD classrooms, a new lunch room, and enhanced heating and insulation throughout the campus, complemented by a digital portfolio initiative that narrows the digital divide for learners.
History
St. Mary’s College traces its origins to 1943 when the Sisters of Mercy opened a secondary school for girls in Ballysadare, following a donation of property by Mrs. Clarence. The first pupils enrolled on 8 September 1943 in two rooms of the original house. A purpose‑built three‑roomed school opened in September 1953 to accommodate forty students. With the introduction of free post‑primary education and school transport in 1967, the college became co‑educational in 1968, prompting the erection of chalets and subsequent building phases that form the core of the present campus. Successive extensions added specialist rooms for home economics, science, art, geography, woodwork, computer studies, sports facilities and ASD support, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to expanding its educational provision.
Applying to St Marys College
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to St Marys College. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Marys College
How many pupils attend St Marys College?
St Marys College has 264 pupils enrolled, 107 girls and 157 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Marys College a DEIS school?
No. St Marys College is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of St Marys College?
St Marys College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.