Annsborough goes back in time

Annsborough goes back in time

16 April 2025

FORMER Annsborough Integrated Primary School pupils made a nostalgic return to the classroom last week.

Generations of former pupils were at the Ballylough Road school last Wednesday for an open evening as part of the 190th anniversary celebrations.

A special anniversary assembly was held the previous morning.

Founded in 1835 and originally a Mill School, it subsequently became a National School when all children in the village, from whatever faith or background, attended.

From its infancy, Annsborough was always an integrated seat of learning before its official designation as such in 1977 and this week it celebrates its remarkable anniversary.

The school was recently praised by education inspectors for its “working together in harmony” ethos.

An Education and Training Inspectorate report said the children have a “strong sense of pride in and belonging to their school” with the well-planned and connected curriculum described as “relevant, engaging and promotes effectively the holistic development of the children.”

Mr Seamus McMullan, chairman of the school’s board of governors, helped cut a special 190th anniversary cake last week.

He paid tribute to all the staff who have contributed so much to providing such a high standard of education for all pupils who have attended this “special primary school over almost 200 years”.

Mr McMullan said the board of governors appreciated how fortunate they were to have such a dedicated team of teachers and teaching assistants with a brilliant range of skills and expertise who are expertly led by the principal, Mrs Lynda Brown.

“The school very much appreciate the support and trust the families place in us when they send their children to this very special local rural school,” he added.