Politician commends ‘visionary leadership at Banbridge Academy

ULSTER Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has commended the leadership, both past and present, of her former school Banbridge Academy for displaying the ‘forward looking vision’ necessary to continue to deliver high quality academic excellence for their pupils.

Mrs Dobson made her comments following the official opening of the new £16.8M school building.

She said: “It was with an immense sense of pride that I attended the official opening of the new buildings at Banbridge Academy. This ceremony heralds a new and exciting chapter in the history of the school and one which is fittingly marked by the magnificent suite of new buildings.

“The inspirational speech by Raymond Pollock summed up excellently the feelings of those attending that Dr Crowe’s original vision, coupled with the dedicated service of past principals is still alive and growing within the school today.

“If former principals, teachers, members of the Board of Governors, staff and indeed past pupils could see the school today they would realise that it is going from strength to strength. Building upon the legacies of those who have gone before us.

“I wish each and every staff member, members of the Board of Governors and the Pupils every success for the future and, as a member of the Education Committee, I know the contribution and ethos of Banbridge Academy will continue to be highly renowned and valued by all.”

Meanwhile David Simpson MP joined with the First Minister, pupils, staff and the Board of Governors to celebrate the official opening of the new state of the art building at Banbridge Academy.

“I was both pleased and proud to attend the official opening of Banbridge Academy. This school has moved from strength to strength and is consistently one of the strongest academic, sporting and musical schools in the province.”

“It is extremely well served by its teaching staff and together they deliver a level of care and dedication that is the envy of many other parts of Northern Ireland.”

“I encourage the pupils to make the best of the new facilities and what the Academy has to offer. It is important that the young people find what they are good at and grow on this to make their lives creative and successful.”

“I wish everyone at the Academy well and I look forward to hearing of their continued success.”

Related topics: