Business Details
Welcome to Abbots Cross Primary School
Abbots Cross Primary School has established itself as a centre of educational excellence since its founding. With a student population of approximately 320 across 14 classes, we maintain the perfect balance between resource availability and personal attention. Our strategic partnerships with Newtownabbey Methodist Mission Pre-school and the Surestart 2-year-old programme enable comprehensive family support from early years through to post-primary transition. The school consistently achieves outstanding academic results, with over 90% of pupils meeting their predicted levels in numeracy and literacy annually. Our holistic approach combines rigorous academic standards with exceptional pastoral care, supported by specialist staff trained in addressing diverse learning needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorders.We invest heavily in arts education through our two large choirs, instrumental tuition programmes, and annual musical productions. Our dedicated school counsellor and Nurture class provide essential emotional and developmental support, while our Hopeful Minds and Helping Hands wellbeing initiatives ensure every child thrives. The school's commitment to parental engagement is demonstrated through regular open days, principal accessibility, and active parent-teacher collaboration. Our graduates consistently gain placements at prestigious local grammar schools and high schools, testament to the quality of our educational foundation. The school's physical environment features modern facilities that support both academic and extracurricular excellence, including specialist music and performance spaces.
Services
Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1 Education
Key Stage 2 Education
Breakfast Club
After-School Clubs
Special Educational Needs Support
Pastoral Care Programmes
Arts Education
Instrumental Music Tuition
Wellbeing Initiatives
Highlights and features
- 90%+ pupil attainment in literacy and numeracy annually
- Specialist support for dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders
- Comprehensive arts education with instrumental tuition and choirs
- Fully funded Nurture class and school counselling services
- Proven track record of successful post-primary school transitions
What people say
Excellent pastoral care
High academic standards
Vibrant choirs
Dedicated staff
Smooth transitions
Services
Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Early Years programme provides a nurturing environment for children aged 4-5, focusing on foundational skills through play-based learning. Qualified teachers deliver the Northern Ireland curriculum framework while developing social and emotional readiness for formal education. The programme integrates with our Surestart 2-year-old programme for seamless early development support.
Key Stage 1 Education
For children aged 5-7, our Key Stage 1 curriculum delivers structured learning in literacy, numeracy, and core subjects. Class sizes maintain personal attention while developing independent learning skills. Specialist teachers support music, physical education, and creative arts development.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our dedicated SEN team provides tailored support for children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorders. This includes individualised learning plans, specialist teaching resources, and integration with mainstream classes. The Nurture class offers additional emotional and social development support.
Arts Education
The school offers comprehensive arts education through two large choirs, instrumental tuition in violin, cello, flute, and clarinet, and annual musical productions. Our arts curriculum develops creativity, performance skills, and cultural appreciation through regular school and community engagements.
After-School Clubs
We provide diverse after-school activities including sports teams, music lessons, academic support, and special interest clubs. Current offerings include football, hockey, darts, chess, and scripture union groups, plus transition workshops for P7 pupils moving to post-primary education.
People
Mrs Joanne Griffith
Principal
Mrs Griffith leads with over 20 years' experience in primary education. She champions holistic learning and parental engagement, maintaining an open-door policy for parent consultations.
Mrs Smyth
Vice Principal
Mrs Smyth oversees key stage 2 education with 15 years' leadership experience. She specialises in literacy development and transition programmes for post-primary education.
Mrs Eddie
Nurture Class Teacher
Mrs Eddie leads our Nurture class with specialist training in early childhood development and emotional support for children with additional needs.
Mr McAllister
Head of Physical Education
Mr McAllister coordinates sports programmes with expertise in youth physical development. He manages school teams competing in the Newtownabbey League and regional tournaments.
Miss Prince
SENCo
Miss Prince specialises in special educational needs coordination with qualifications in supporting dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorders across all year groups.
Questions
What age groups does Abbots Cross Primary School cater for?
We provide education for children aged 4-11 years, covering Early Years Foundation Stage through Key Stage 2.
What special educational needs support is available?
Our specialist staff support children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorders, and other specific learning needs through tailored programmes.
Are there after-school care options available?
We offer a range of after-school clubs including sports, music, and academic support programmes for pupils in all year groups.
What arts education opportunities exist?
The school provides instrumental tuition in violin, cello, flute, and clarinet, plus two large choirs and annual musical productions.
How does the school support pupil wellbeing?
We implement Hopeful Minds and Helping Hands wellbeing programmes, with additional support from our school counsellor and Nurture class.
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