COLLEGE

Welcome from the Board of Governors
St. Columbanus College is proud of its rich heritage, present and bright future.
It seeks to develop each pupil to achieve their full potential in a welcoming
learning environment. It has at its centre, a Catholic and Christian atmosphere
and a set of values for every young person to guide them throughout their
whole life.
Our College is one of the best examples of modern education in Northern Ireland. Independent international research
places the College at the highest level in providing inclusive education, particularly when measured through pupils respect
for each other and towards our society.
We have consistently improved educational and academic outcomes to levels well beyond national averages, and our
College Development Plan demonstrates our commitment to further success.
Above all our success should be measured by pupil attainment in both qualifications leading to successful careers, good
citizenship and based upon mutual respect. I look forward to you joining the College Community.
The Board of Governors is extremely proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated daily by all our teaching
and support staff led by our Principal, Mr Liam Perry.
Mr Pat McCartan, Chairperson of the Board of Governors
Board Of Governors
Appointed by Trustees
Very Rev J Gunn
Miss C McAlorum
Mrs K Cain
Mr P McCartan
Teacher Governor
Mrs M Flynn
DENI Representative
Mr F Ferguson
EA Representatives
Alderman B Wilson MLA
Mrs S Havlin
Principal
Mr Liam Perry
Co-opted Govenors
Mrs M Smith
Mrs S Hallworth
Canon J Rooney
Rev Dr R Purce
The Reverand Canon S Doogan
Mrs C Steed
St Columbanus
St Columbanus is the patron saint of our College. From an early age his
mission was to follow the teachings of Jesus and to bring this message
to others. He spent time in Fermanagh, Bangor, France and Italy. Our
College motto “Lex Dei in Corde Meo” means the “Law of God is in my
Heart’ Daily in our College and home lives we are asked to show God’s
love to others through our words and actions.
College History
St Columbanus’ College is a well-established and successful coeducational
Catholic College, which serves Bangor, Groomsport,
Donaghadee, Holywood, Newtownards and Comber. The foundation
stone for St Columbanus’ Secondary Intermediate School, as it was
formerly known, was laid by Bishop Daniel Mageean on the Feast of the
Assumption, 15th August 1959.
The College was built to serve the parishes of Bangor, Holywood and
Newtownards and opened within a week of the feast of St Columbanus
on 29th November 1960. A wide curriculum was offered with an
emphasis on the teaching of vocational and technical skills. Many students
left at the age of fifteen to take up employment while a small CSE
class remained to study for external examinations. The late 1960s and
early 1970s saw a significant growth in enrolment, which required a
major extension to the original building. In the modern era the College
continues to go from strength to strength evolving to best meet the
needs of our young people.
In the last twenty years the College’s intake has changed significantly.
In addition to students from our maintained schools we welcome
students from many controlled schools in North Down. We are proud
that our school attracts people of all religious denominations and is a
community where diverse beliefs and cultures fuse together to form a
vibrant College where the academic, pastoral and spiritual growth of our
students are valued equally. We are pleased that our College is a place
where we can make a positive contribution to the spiritual development
of each student. Prayer plays a central part in College life.
College Mission Statement Achieving success in a happy and hardworking
atmosphere where each individual matures in a supportive Christian
environment.
“ Spotlight on Year 8:
I love St. Columbanus’ because I like
all my teachers as they are very nice
and friendly. I love all my friends
here. My favourite subjects are Art,
Maths and English. This school is
a fantastic school and everyone is
really nice.
Courtney, Year 8
”
Page 4 Page 5