St Marys Mixed National School
School Details
Location
About
St Mary’s Mixed National School in Drumlish, Co. Longford, is a Catholic‑principled primary school that welcomes children of all faiths and none. The school’s ethos centres on the motto *Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí* – “Praise the youth and they will flourish” – and it strives to provide a broad, stimulating curriculum that nurtures each pupil’s individual talents. A strong caring tradition means that staff get to know every child well, offering personalised support while fostering a community spirit reinforced by an active parent body and Board of Management. The campus has been expanded several times to meet growing demand. An extension in 2007 added a new classroom, a dedicated Learning Support room, a multi‑purpose hall and an astro‑turf community pitch. A further development completed in 2015 introduced additional classrooms and modern facilities, bringing the roll to over 200 pupils. The school benefits from high‑speed broadband supplied through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme and, following a 2021 grant, it now provides Chromebooks and upgraded IT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide for learners at risk of disadvantage.
History
- Opened 11 December 1871 with 88 pupils. - Destroyed by fire on 2 February 1921; a temporary school opened 28 February 1921 with 99 pupils. - In 1929 a permanent building on Old School Road housed separate boys’ and girls’ schools. - Amalgamation in 1968, closing Fardrummin N.S. - Current Hillstreet premises opened February 1990 with five classrooms and 157 pupils. - Extension in 2007 added a classroom, Learning Support room, multi‑purpose room and astro‑turf pitch. - Further extension completed February 2015, increasing capacity to 213 pupils and modernising facilities.