St Patrick's College, Banbridge

St Patrick's College (Irish: Coláiste Phádraig Droichead na Banna) is a Catholic maintained secondary school located in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland.

St. Patrick's College
Address
Scarva Road

Banbridge
,
County Down
,
BT32 3AS

Northern Ireland
Information
MottoExcellence through Partnership
Religious affiliation(s)Catholic
Established1958
Local authority Education Authority (Southern)
PrincipalRoisin Woods
Staff60
GenderMixed
Age11 to 18
Enrolment500 (approx)[1]
Colour(s)  
Websitehttps://www.stpatrickscollegebanbridge.com/

History

The foundation stone for St. Patrick's Intermediate School was laid on 1 May 1957 by Bishop O'Doherty and the school welcomed its first pupils in September 1958. Its name was changed to St. Patrick's High School in 1972 as a result of the raising of the school-leaving age. It was again changed to St. Patrick's College to reflect the increased numbers of students staying on to complete their GCSE A-Levels.[2]

Facilities

The school recently had a full-size 3G GAA pitch with floodlights and changing rooms added to its sporting facilities.[3] This was funded by a grant of £1.5 million from several agencies including Peace 4,[4] the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council and Sport NI.[5]

Academics

The full range of subjects is offered. At GCSE A-level, the students can choose from Geography, Art, Biology, Technology and Design, English Literature, Psychology, Drama and Theatre Studies, Software Systems and Development, Chemistry, Agriculture, History, Journalism, Physics, Government and Politics, and Religious Studies. They can also take BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology, Engineering, Childcare, Performing Arts, Public Services, Media, and Sport.[6]

The college has been the best performing non-selective school in County Down for several years. It has also been listed as among the top ten non-grammar schools in Northern Ireland.[7] In 2018, 97% of pupils received five or more GCSE A* - C passes.[8][9]

Shared education

The college works in partnership with the neighbouring Banbridge High School to offer a number of shared activities as part of the curriculum.[10] It is also part of the Banbridge Area Learning Community coordinated by the Southern Regional College.[11]

Extra-curricular

The college offers the opportunity to participate in various sporting activities including swimming, netball, Gaelic football (Boys and girls), camogie, hurling, rugby, basketball, dance, and athletics. The college also has an active music programme including opportunities in singing and musical instruments.[12]

Awards

In 2020, the college was awarded Intermediate level of the British Council's International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.[13]

See also

References
  1. "Area plan for post-primary education 2021" (PDF). Education Authority. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  2. "School history". St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  3. "ST.PATRICK'S COLLEGE BANBRIDGE INSTALLS SISTURF PITCH". SIS Pitches. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  4. "Peace4Youth". NI Department of the Economy. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  5. "Prospectus" (PDF). St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  6. "Prospectus" (PDF). St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  7. "Every one of Northern Ireland's top five schools is a Catholic grammar". Belfast Telegraph. 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  8. "News". St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  9. "Post-Primary Inspection St. Patrick's College Banbridge 2019" (PDF). Education & Training Inspectorate. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  10. "Shared education". St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  11. "Banbridge Learning Community". Southern Regional College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  12. "Extra-curricular activities". St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  13. "British Council School Award". St. Patrick's College. Retrieved 21 July 2021.

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