St Patrick's Primary School

St Patrick's Primary School is a 100% Department of Education Funded Catholic Maintained School for boys and girls aged 4-11, situated in the townland of Ballymaghery, about half a mile outside the village of Hilltown on the Castlewellan Road, just east of the River Bann. The site on which our school stands has been used for educational purposes since 1857, when Ballymaghery Boys' and Ballymaghery Girls' schools were built. On 5th September 1966, both schools were replaced by the present St. Patrick's Primary School.

As a school, we pride ourselves on our mission of "Progress through Partnership", where we strive to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters the academic, social, and spiritual development of our pupils. Our school is committed to promoting the values of respect, empathy, and kindness, and we encourage our pupils to become responsible, globally-minded citizens who are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Our Vision

Our vision is to nurture and build the aspirations of all our children, so that they reach their full potential. We believe that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to develop their own talents and abilities. Our school community is built on the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and open communication, and we strive to create a positive and inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth.

Our Facilities

Our school has a comprehensive range of facilities that cater to the diverse needs of our pupils. These include twelve classrooms, a staffroom, assembly hall, physical education hall/dining hall, meals kitchen, library, medical room, ICT suite, principal's office, and secretary's office. We also have access to the adjacent Parochial Hall and the G.A.A. complex, which provides ample opportunities for physical education and extracurricular activities.

Our Staff

Our staff is the backbone of our school, and we are proud of the high level of expertise and dedication that they bring to their roles. Our principal works closely with the vice principal and senior leadership team to promote a school culture of achievement, improvement, and ambition. We have a comprehensive teacher training programme in place, which ensures that our staff are equipped with the latest teaching methodologies and technologies to enhance student learning.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that caters to the diverse needs and interests of our pupils. We place a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, as well as on the development of social, emotional, and spiritual skills. We also offer a range of extracurricular activities and clubs that cater to the diverse interests of our pupils.

Our Community

At St. Patrick's Primary School, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and our commitment to fostering a culture of care and respect. We have an active and supportive Parent Association and a Board of Governors that provide strong support for the school and keen interest in the welfare of the entire school community.