New Lisneal principal in September

Picture are, from left: Peter Eakin, Vice Chairman Board of Governors, David Funston, Principal, Michael Allen, new Principal and Dr Colin Hamilton, Chairman Board of Governors.

Mr Allen said he was absolutely delighted and felt incredibly privileged to be appointed as the new Lisneal principal.

“I am really looking forward to working with the highly dedicated and professional staff to provide the highest standards of education for every single young person who attends this school,” he said.

“I passionately believe in the power of partnership and I will endeavour to work hard with the governors, staff, pupils and parents to continue the good work already being done and build a highly successful school that the entire local community is proud of.

“I have high expectations of both the staff and pupils and I am confident that by working together we can raise achievement for all.

“My experience has taught me that a child centred approach to pastoral care, curriculum design and teaching and learning is the most effective way of achieving success for all of our young people.

“Lisneal College offers a vast range of qualifications at both Key Stage 4 and Post 16 and I am committed to working with the schools in the Foyle Learning Partnership to continue to develop a relevant and flexible curriculum that meets the needs and aspirations of every young person within the area learning community.

“I am determined to make Lisneal College the outstanding school it has the potential to be and I would ask parents of young people living in the wider Londonderry area to join us on this exciting journey into the future.”

David Funston has been at the helm at Lisneal since it opened in 2006.

The chairman of the Board of Governors at Lisneal College, Dr Colin Hamilton, has welcomed Mr Allen’s appointment.

“We will be able to celebrate David’s achievements at the end of the term, but the Board of Governors was determined to appoint someone who would be certain to maintain and build on the current high standards achieved by Lisneal’s excellent staff and we believe Michael has the capability to do just that,” he said.

Mr Funston guided Lisneal College in its formative years from 2006 on the new site, following the amalgamation of Clondermot High and Faughan Valley High schools.

The state-of-the-art building, which caters for almost 1,000 pupils, was officially opened in September 2007 by Caitríona Ruane, the Northern Ireland education minister at the time.