Ballyduff National School
School Details
Location
About
Ballyduff National School is a DEIS‑supported rural mixed primary school located in North Kerry, catering for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The school currently educates 96 pupils and provides a balanced staffing structure that includes five mainstream class teachers, three special‑education teachers and a part‑time EAL teacher, with an ASD class introduced in September 2024. In addition to the core curriculum, the school runs an on‑site breakfast service and a homework club operated by Curious Minds, helping to extend learning opportunities beyond the classroom. A 2021 European Union grant under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan enabled the purchase of Samsung tablets and educational apps, narrowing the digital divide for pupils at risk of disadvantage and supporting modern, technology‑enhanced teaching. The school follows the 1999 School Curriculum and the 2018 Primary Curriculum, delivering instruction within a Catholic ethos while also offering specialist sessions such as GAA coaching and dancing through guest teachers. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic development, with a wide range of extra‑curricular activities designed to nurture talent across academic, sporting and cultural domains. Facilities include a purpose‑built P.E. hall, a library, staff rooms and offices added in a 1985 extension, and well‑maintained classroom spaces. The traditional catchment area covers Ballyduff village and its environs within a 2‑3 mile radius, though parents retain the right to choose alternative provision.
History
Education in Ballyduff dates back to 1835 when three hedge schools taught the three Rs. In 1839 a dedicated Boys’ and Girls’ school was erected on land donated by Mrs Staughton of The Great House, Ballyhorgan. The present school building opened in 1966 as separate boys’ and girls’ schools and was amalgamated in 1982 to become Ballyduff Central National School. An extension in 1985 added a P.E. hall, two upstairs classrooms, a library, staff room and offices. Following the 2015 merger of Ballyduff Central N.S. with Rathmorrel N.S., the institution was renamed Ballyduff National School. The school marked its 50th anniversary in the 2016/17 academic year with a mass, a heritage exhibition, sports, a barbecue and a 3 km fun run.