"We’re like a private school without the fees" - Mayo Gaeltacht school

Schools across Mayo are celebrating strong performances in the feeder school tables published last week, with educational leaders emphasising that academic success must be balanced with developing life skills for students navigating an increasingly complex world.

At Coláiste Mhuire in Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Acting Principal Cristín Ní Éanacháin expressed pride in the school's achievement of topping the table in Mayo, while highlighting a broader educational vision. “We're very proud of our students and academic achievement and retention is really important to us,” she said. “But equally important is that our students have the skills and coping mechanisms that will guide them through the next stage of life, whether it's on to the third level pathway in the feeder school route, or out directly into the world of work.”

The school's results speak for themselves. Last year, 15 students sat the Leaving Certificate, with over 23 percent achieving more than 550 points and 100 percent scoring above 350 points. The school has enrolled 23 students for the next academic year.

READ MORE: Mayo school's students outperform national average in Leaving Cert

Ní Éanacháin noted that one parent described the school as a “private school without the fees” due to its small class sizes. “I laughed at the time. But, you know, I often think of it and think there is a lot of truth in it,” she said.

In an era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence, Coláiste Mhuire is prioritising critical thinking and interpersonal communication. “We endeavor to encourage our students to think freely and recognise the importance of open conversation with others,” Ní Éanacháin explained. “In a small school setting, we're able to do that and monitor that and engage our students on a daily basis.”

Facilities

THE school benefits from full access to the Ionad Spóirt in Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, featuring two Gaelic pitches, an astroturf pitch, and both indoor and outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Looking ahead, the school hopes to expand its offerings. “We are so fortunate with the facilities we have, and we're hoping to open a special class in September 2026,” Ní Éanacháin said.

Coláiste Mhuire also collaborates with other Gaeltacht schools to provide science subjects online, an initiative introduced in 2017. “The science subjects are now offered online to students that want to study chemistry or physics,” Ní Éanacháin explained. Students participate in online classes and meet several times annually in Galway to conduct experiments. “It works really well,” she added.

At Sacred Heart School, Principal Sarah McGreal reported that 95 percent of students progress to third-level education, with some choosing to study abroad in Europe or America. She attributed the success to school culture and dedicated staff. “The way we create the high expectations that teachers have for their students and how they work, willing to support them to achieve their potential,” McGreal said. “To see everybody progress is fantastic.”

Deputy Principal Kevin Malone emphasised the role of teachers in achieving these results. “If we didn't have that core group of dedicated teachers, we wouldn't be achieving the way we are,” he told The Mayo News. “An important acknowledgement needs to go out to them.”

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While the feeder schools table serves as a valuable guide for parents making educational decisions for their children, Mayo's schools are demonstrating that true success encompasses both academic excellence and personal development.