St Marys National School
Ballyhaunis, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 93 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 39 girls, 54 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15030Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Mary’s National School, Ballyhaise is a rural, mixed‑gender primary school serving families from the local community. Operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Kilmore, the school follows a Roman Catholic ethos while actively promoting respect for pluralism and diversity, ensuring that children of all faiths feel welcomed. The educational philosophy centres on nurturing each child’s unique potential, fostering social cooperation, and preparing pupils for further education and lifelong learning. The school’s facilities include six purpose‑built classrooms, a general‑purpose hall for assemblies and activities, and an upstairs staff room. Recent investment through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme has provided high‑speed internet connectivity, supporting modern teaching resources and digital learning. A strong emphasis is placed on health and wellbeing, with a Healthy Eating Policy, encouragement of reusable drink bottles, and a daily uniform policy that includes a dedicated P.E. day for sports gear. The school also maintains a homework journal to strengthen the link between home and school. Beyond the classroom, St Mary’s participates in the Green Schools programme, addressing litter, waste, and energy use, and offers a broad sports curriculum that includes GAA skills, swimming, gymnastics, and a variety of team sports such as football, camogie, hurling, basketball, soccer and rounders.
Applying to St Marys 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Marys 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 Marys National School
How many pupils attend St Marys National School?
St Marys National School has 93 pupils enrolled, 39 girls and 54 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Marys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Marys 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 Marys National School?
St Marys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.