Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Damhead Primary School - Nurturing Young Minds in Coleraine
Established in 1933, Damhead Primary School has been nurturing young minds in Coleraine for over nine decades. Our child-centred approach places pupils at the heart of every learning experience, supported by a dedicated team of 9 teachers and 11 classroom assistants. We foster a Christian ethos built on mutual respect, teamwork, and responsibility, creating a welcoming environment where children, staff, and parents feel valued. Our comprehensive curriculum is enhanced by the internationally recognised PATHS programme, which develops emotional awareness and problem-solving skills. We offer a wraparound service from 8am to 5pm, including breakfast club and after-school activities ranging from sports to creative arts.Our music department, supported by the Causeway School of Music, provides instrumental tuition and vocal training, culminating in annual productions that showcase our pupils' talents. We actively pursue the Autism Impact Award to ensure inclusive support for all learners, with environmental stewardship demonstrated through our Eco Club initiatives. Under Principal Jill Laverty's leadership, we maintain strong community partnerships to enrich educational experiences while prioritising child safety and wellbeing.
Services
Primary Education
After-School Clubs
Music Lessons
Drama Productions
PATHS Programme
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We offer a child-centred approach with one class per year group since 1933
- Our PATHS programme develops emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills
- We provide extensive music education through the Causeway School of Music
- We operate a wraparound service from 8am to 5pm with breakfast and after-school clubs
- Our dedicated staff includes 9 teachers and 11 classroom assistants supporting 200+ pupils
Associations and certifications
- PATHS Model School
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Excellent music programme
Engaging drama productions
Strong community feel
Services
Primary Education
Damhead Primary School delivers comprehensive education for children aged 4-11 through a structured curriculum. Our dedicated teachers and classroom assistants create individualised learning experiences that nurture academic achievement and personal development. We maintain small class sizes with one class per year group to ensure focused attention for every pupil.
After-School Clubs
Our wraparound care includes breakfast club (8:15-8:45am) and Hop Club (2-5pm) with diverse activities. Children can participate in sports, arts and crafts, music, and drama programmes that extend learning beyond the classroom while supporting working families' schedules.
PATHS Programme
As a Model PATHS School, we implement this international programme to develop emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. The curriculum helps children manage emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build social competence through structured lessons and whole-school initiatives.
Music Education
Through partnerships with the Causeway School of Music, we offer instrumental lessons in flute, violin, trumpet, guitar, and ukelele. Our music programme includes choir training, piano lessons, and annual productions that develop performance skills and creative expression.
Drama Productions
We provide drama education through annual school productions and specialist theatre lessons. Pupils from P1 upwards participate in musical theatre workshops and performances, developing confidence, teamwork, and creative talents under professional guidance.
People
Jill Laverty
Principal
With extensive educational leadership experience, Jill Laverty oversees Damhead Primary School's operations. She champions child-centred learning and community engagement while maintaining high academic standards through strategic staff development and parental partnerships.
Helen Hutchinson
Music Teacher
Mrs Hutchinson leads singing instruction and piano tuition at Damhead Primary. Her expertise enhances the school's music programme through choir direction and instrumental teaching that develops pupils' musical abilities and performance confidence.
Gwen Cochrane
Music Instructor
Mrs Cochrane contributes to Damhead's music department with specialist instrumental teaching. She supports the school's commitment to musical education through individual tuition and ensemble participation that enriches pupils' creative development.
Grace Steele
Music Instructor
Mrs Steele provides instrumental instruction as part of Damhead Primary's comprehensive music programme. Her teaching supports the school's mission to develop well-rounded pupils through accessible musical education opportunities.
Katie Patton
Drama Director
Miss Patton directs annual school productions, bringing professional theatre expertise to Damhead Primary's drama programme. She develops pupils' performance skills through specialist instruction that enhances confidence and creative expression.
Questions
What age groups does Damhead Primary School cater for?
We educate children aged 4-11 across seven year groups from P1 (Primary 1) to P7 (Primary 7).
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer breakfast club, after-school clubs including sports, crafts, music, and drama, plus specialist instrumental tuition.
How does the school support special educational needs?
We implement the PATHS programme for emotional development and are working towards the Autism Impact Award for inclusive support.
What music education opportunities exist?
Through the Causeway School of Music, we provide flute, violin, trumpet, guitar, and ukelele lessons, plus choir and piano instruction.
How can parents get involved?
Parents participate through the Parent and Friends Association, school council, and regular communication with class teachers.
What are the school hours?
Our core hours are 9:00am-3:00pm, with breakfast club from 8:15-8:45am and after-school care until 5:00pm.
