[citation needed] In the 1850s, the Sisters of Mercy provided Ballinrobe with primary education, founding the Mercy Intermediate School in 1920 and later founding the Sacred Heart Secondary School.

[citation needed] The Christian Brothers opened a second level school in 1879 and 10 pupils were prepared for the first Intermediate exams held in Ireland in that year.

[2][3] The school teaches Junior and Senior Cycle as well as offering an optional Transition Year.

[5][6] The school offers sporting and extracurricular activities to its students.

[7] The school's Gaelic football team won the 2017 Paddy Drummond Cup.