Caherleaheen National School
School Details
Location
About
Caherleaheen National School is a Roman Catholic primary school that embraces a child‑centred ethos, promoting the spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and cultural development of every pupil. The school provides a caring, inclusive environment where individual uniqueness is respected and pupils with special or additional needs are fully integrated into the learning programme. Educational provision is structured to support personal success, with a curriculum that balances academic learning, religious education and extracurricular activities, including after‑school clubs and a hot‑meal lunch service. The modern facilities, completed in 1998, include well‑equipped classrooms for Junior Infants through 6th class, specialist spaces for art, music and physical education, and secure playground areas. The school operates a clear daily timetable, with assemblies, structured lesson periods and designated times for breaks and meals. Strong communication between staff and families is encouraged, and the school’s policies on behaviour, safety, medication and digital use are readily accessible to support a safe and supportive learning community.
History
The school originated in 1862, with the earliest roll books dating from 1876. Initially two separate institutions—Ballyseede Boys and Girls primary schools—were housed in a building at Liosardbuala. Early principals included James Hayes (boys) and Mrs Hayes, later succeeded by Miss Minnie Hayes. In the early 20th century the school moved to a site in Poulamhadra, and in 1929 the boys’ and girls’ schools were amalgamated under parish control. A new three‑roomed building was erected in 1933 on the present Caherleaheen site, constructed from hand‑cut red sandstone quarried in Foleys’ Glen. The historic premises featured separate facilities for boys and girls and required families to contribute turf or coal for heating. Successive principals guided the school through the mid‑20th century, and the current, substantially expanded facility was completed in 1998, offering a far‑removed experience from the original modest premises.