Ballyraine National School
School Details
Location
About
Ballyraine National School is a co‑educational primary school situated on the outskirts of Letterkenny, County Donegal. It operates under the joint patronage of the Church of Ireland and the Presbyterian Church, offering a Protestant ethos while welcoming pupils of all backgrounds and faiths. The school follows the Irish Primary School Curriculum and adopts a child‑centred, holistic approach to learning, fostering a nurturing environment where children feel safe, respected and valued. Emphasis is placed on mutual respect, tolerance and the development of individual talents and interests, with strong encouragement of home‑school partnership. The campus has been expanded several times to meet growing needs: the original building opened in 1976, with major extensions added in 2007 and 2021, and a dedicated autism classroom introduced in 2023. Facilities support a broad range of activities, from academic pursuits to sports, arts and outdoor play, reflecting the school’s commitment to a well‑rounded education. The school day runs from 08:50 to 13:30 for Junior and Senior Infants and until 14:30 for classes 1st to 6th, providing a structured yet flexible timetable for learners.
History
Ballyraine National School was officially opened in 1976. Since then the school has undergone two significant extensions, completed in 2007 and 2021, to accommodate increasing enrolment and enhance its facilities. In 2023 a specialised autism classroom was added, demonstrating the school’s commitment to inclusive education. A detailed history of the school, written by former vice‑principal and learning support teacher Mrs Marina Sterritt, is available for purchase from the school office.