Sancta Maria College
School Details
Location
About
Sancta Maria College is a voluntary Catholic secondary school in Louisburgh, County Mayo, operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. The college embraces the Mercy philosophy of education, promoting respect, justice, responsibility and quality teaching within an inclusive community. A broad and deep curriculum offers 26 subjects at senior cycle, supported by a one‑to‑one iPad programme that enables all learners to access and demonstrate knowledge across the curriculum. The school’s modern facilities, expanded with a new building opened in 2019 to accommodate around 500 students, provide contemporary classrooms, specialist rooms and spaces for the arts, sport and technology. Inclusive pedagogy is central, with learning styles identified through CAT4 results, previous school records and ongoing assessment, ensuring teaching methods meet diverse needs. A well‑structured Additional Educational Needs department offers individualised learning plans, with dedicated classes for students with autism and moderate learning disabilities. Co‑curricular provision is extensive, featuring house structures, “WOW” enrichment classes, a wide range of sports, arts, public speaking and musical activities, encouraging every pupil to develop holistically and become their best self.
History
Sancta Maria College traces its origins to October 1919 when two Sisters of Mercy, Mother M. Gertrude Chambers and Sr Columba Waldron, arrived in Louisburgh and established a school that welcomed both boys and girls, making it Ireland’s first co‑educational Catholic secondary school. Initial lessons were held in the dining room of McDermott’s Hotel, and by 1920 a secondary school was officially announced. A new convent and school building began construction in 1924, funded by local fundraising efforts. In 1960 the “Sancta Maria” building was erected and the school adopted its present name, also operating as the only co‑educational Catholic boarding school in the country. An extension was added between 1984 and 1986. The centenary was celebrated in 2019 with the opening of a state‑of‑the‑art building to serve a student body of approximately 500.