In September 2022, St. Mary’s Secondary School proudly opened our new purpose-built campus, representing one of the most significant investments ever made in education in Ballina. Constructed on a beautiful 5.6-hectare site at Convent Hill, the new school provides a modern, sustainable and inspiring learning environment for over 650 students.

The approximately 7,000m² school building was among the first post-primary schools in Ireland to be designed using the Department of Education’s new model for school design. Every aspect of the building was planned to support modern teaching practices, encourage collaboration and provide bright, flexible learning spaces for students and staff.

A School Designed for Modern Learning

The campus has been designed around the needs of today’s learners, creating spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration. The design supports improved teaching through better proximity, communication and sightlines between students and teachers.

Classrooms are bright, accessible and flexible, with improved daylight and ventilation. The building has also been designed to meet modern sustainability standards, including NZEB requirements, and includes photovoltaic panels to help power the school.

Outstanding Educational Facilities

Explore Our Facilities

Our modern campus provides outstanding facilities that support learning, creativity, wellbeing and sport.

Library

A bright and welcoming learning hub providing quiet study areas, reading spaces and access to a wide range of learning resources.

Science Laboratories

Four fully equipped laboratories provide students with modern facilities for practical investigations and scientific discovery.

Technology

Purpose-built technology workshop supporting innovation, engineering, manufacturing and design skills.

Art, Craft & Design

Creative studio spaces where students develop artistic, creative and design skills in a bright and inspiring environment.

Home Economics

Modern kitchens and specialist teaching facilities designed for practical learning in food studies and life skills.

Student Canteen

A spacious and welcoming dining area where students can enjoy breakfast, lunch and social time with friends.

Fitness Suite

Our modern fitness suite supports Physical Education, athletic development and student wellbeing.

PE Hall

Our full-size sports hall hosts Physical Education classes, sporting events, performances and whole-school activities.

Exceptional Sports Facilities

Physical wellbeing plays an important role in life at St. Mary’s. Our campus provides excellent indoor and outdoor sporting facilities to support Physical Education classes, extra-curricular activities and competitive sport.

A Campus Connected to Nature

The school is positioned on Convent Hill and has been carefully designed to take full advantage of its beautiful surroundings. The building is arranged around a large central courtyard, creating a welcoming outdoor space where students can gather, socialise and learn.

The courtyard opens eastwards, offering spectacular views towards the Ox Mountains, while the building provides shelter from prevailing winds and creates a bright, comfortable outdoor environment.

Outdoor Learning and Sustainability

Learning at St. Mary’s extends beyond the classroom. The landscaped campus includes outdoor seating areas, a nature walk, performance space and recreational areas. Native planting throughout the grounds creates opportunities for ecology-based learning across subjects such as Science, Biology, Geography, Home Economics and Art.

The building also reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, with energy-efficient design, excellent natural daylight, improved ventilation and photovoltaic panels incorporated into the campus.

At the Heart of the Community

The new school occupies a prominent position overlooking Ballina and continues the proud educational tradition established by the Sisters of Mercy on Convent Hill. The development was made possible through the generous support of the Sisters of Mercy, who provided lands that helped shape the new campus.

The adjoining playing pitch also forms part of the school site, with the hope that it will support St. Mary’s Secondary School, Scoil Íosa and the wider community into the future.