Principal thrilled by 'outstanding' finding by school inspectors

The Education and Training Inspectorate focused on a number of areas including Achievement and Standards, Learning and Teaching, Special Needs, Pastoral Care and Leadership and Management.

Principal Imelda Jordan congratulated all involved for the hard work and dedication that resulted in what she said was "a unique validation of the life of the school and recognition of its achievements".

She said: "This is a good news story for all in the Colin Area as high quality education is central to regeneration and the future of our young people. The Inspectors highlighted the performance of pupils in GCSE and A Level which is significantly above the Northern Ireland average for similar non-selective schools.

"It is particularly pleasing that St. Colm's is the first non selective Post Primary School in the Controlled or Maintained sectors to be awarded the top grade of Outstanding for the quality of education in both the pastoral and curricular domains."

She continued: "For all of us in the privileged position of caring for the pupils in St. Colm's it was really heart warming to learn how much they appreciated their teachers and the special atmosphere within the school. We will continue to improve and ensure that our community will see a new and outstanding school building which reflects the findings.'

The report, which was published in December, made St. Colm's Annual Celebration of Achievement a particularly special occasion when it was shared with guests, parents and pupils.

In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by the school is judged 'outstanding'.

The report said the strengths of the school include: the distinctive inclusive ethos and unique climate within the school; the outstanding quality of pastoral care, guidance and support for all of the pupils including those with additional and special educational needs; the outstanding strategic leadership of the Principal, supported effectively by the Vice-Principal, the leadership teams and the governors, all of whom are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for the pupils in their care; the effectiveness of the distributive leadership within the school in identifying appropriate actions to promote further improvement and to achieving the key priorities set out in the school development plan; the commitment and perseverance of the teachers who have developed exceptionally good working relationships with the pupils and the quality of the teaching observed which was good in nine-tenths of the lessons, very good in just over half and outstanding in a small number. The full report can be viewed at: www.etini.gov.uk

Principal Ms Imelda Jordan, Ms Oonagh Hinds (Guest Speaker) Regional Business Advisor, Invest NI and prizewinners.

Principal Imelda Jordan, Head Boy Ryan Adams, Head Girl Stephanie O'Neill.

Ms Oonagh Hinds (Guest Speaker) with Gavin Logan Year 9 prizewinner.

Mr G. Conway celebrates with pupils from his Form Class and Ms Jordan