New era in Downpatrick as 1,600-student school opens

New era in Downpatrick as 1,600-student school opens

4 September 2024

MONDAY marked a ground-breaking development in the history of education in the Downpatrick area when Lecale Trinity Grammar School opens its doors to welcome its pupils for the first time.

Although the official celebrations to mark the opening of the school will take place on September 19, the principal and staff have been working tirelessly to make sure that the first day for all new pupils is a memorable one.

The new school is an amalgamation of two Lasallian schools, De La Salle High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School, and a school from the Mercy tradition, St Mary’s High School.

It is a co-educational, 11-19, voluntary grammar school with an overall enrolment of 1,600 pupils. It is in the trusteeship of the De La Salle Congregation.?? 

 The school will operate on the sites of the three former schools pending capital investment for a one-site facility.

Year 8 and Year 9 pupils will be educated on the Mercy campus, formerly St Mary’s High School, and Years 10-14 pupils on the Lasallian campus. The school also has specialist provision to enable all students to have full access to the National Curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and 4.

In November 2023, Dr Fionnuala Moore took up position as principal designate and began the process of planning for the opening of the school, working closely with the interim board of governors and the staff and students from the three amalgamating schools. 

Speaking on Monday, Dr Moore pledged her commitment to ensuring the highest standards of educational experience and pastoral provision for all pupils in Lecale Trinity Grammar School.

She spoke of her determination to develop a centre of excellence which fulfils the school’s motto ‘Omni Puero Fides’, which translated as ‘Faith in Every Child’. 

“I am delighted that the school is now officially open,” she said.

“Together, with our school community, we have been given the opportunity to create a unique and inclusive learning environment for our young people, where the children in a family have the opportunity to be educated together, and where the needs of each and every pupil are at the heart of the school’s ethos as a Catholic Lasallian school.”

She paid tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the new school, who, she said, have worked collaboratively with her and the senior Leadership Team on this journey.

“I pay tribute to the dedication, commitment and tireless work of the staff who are determined to fuse the best practice from the three amalgamating schools with recent educational research to ensure the best possible educational experience for every pupil in their care.

She also stressed the importance of ‘student voice’ in the new school, explaining that it has been an integral part of the planning process with pupils working closely with staff to inform and monitor the implementation of planning and strategies around key areas directly affecting them. 

“This has included the design of a curriculum to meet the needs of all learners along with pastoral and curricular programmes to address the importance of individual wellbeing in this important transition phase.

“This of course began with the exploration of key values underpinning the school’s ethos and the unwavering commitment to ‘Faith in Every Child’.”

She added: “As a new school community, we are looking forward to engaging with our parents and carers as we continue on this educational journey with them and their children.

“Their support, involvement, and active participation will play an integral role in their child’s success as we work hand in hand to nurture a love of learning and the provision of quality educational experiences in a faith-based community. 

The first ever cohort of Year 8 pupils were welcomed to the Mercy campus on Monday by an excited staff and the student leadership team. 

Pupils in Year 8 spoke of their excitement of joining Lecale Trinity Grammar School, and of what they were most looking forward to.

One pupil, Cara, said: “I'm looking forward to making new friends,” while another, Macy said: I'm looking forward to playing sports, especially netball.”

Matthew remarked: “I’m most looking forward to playing sports, especially Gaelic and soccer”, while Jack said: “I'm most looking forward to meeting new teachers and making new friends.

Mrs Carmel McCartan, chair of the interim board of governors, paid tribute to many stakeholders whose vision, perseverance and hard work over many years, she said, had culminated in the creation of Lecale Trinity Grammar School.

She continued: “I pay tribute to the vision and commitment of the De La Salle Congregation and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools along with the Down and Connor Diocese. 

“They have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with key stakeholders over many years,  to create an inclusive Catholic school grounded in the core values of the charism of the Lasallian Congregation and Sisters of Mercy.  Their hard work and vision are realised today.

“I also pay tribute to the members of the interim board of governors, established in January 2023, who have been responsible for the achievement of the strategic and operational priorities outlined on the implementation plan.  Their perseverance, expertise and generosity of spirit have been outstanding.

I thank all the staff led by Dr Moore and her senior leadership team, whose hard work, positivity and child-centred focus have been exceptional.”

She added: “I conclude with the key partners in the process, namely the pupils and their families.  We extend our best wishes to them as they begin their exciting journey in partnership with the staff in Lecale Trinity Grammar School.”