At the end of May 2007, the Education Minister announced that we would become a specialist school in Science.

In their advice to the Minister, the panel members judging the applications commented on the commitment to excellence and willingness to engage with other education partners and the wider community to enrich the learning experience and life opportunities of young people. The principle education partners are:

• Dromore Central primary School
• Fairhill Primary School
• St Colmans Primary School
• Banbridge High School and
• St Patricks College, Banbridge.

The school also had to raise £25,000 from the private sector partnership. The principal sponsor for the High School was Supervalu, Dromore and the other main sponsors were:

• Mr Robert Gibson
• Bombardier Aerospace
• WS Thompson & Co Ltd
• Gordons Chemist
• Pepper (Dromore) Ltd
• Fayrefield Foods Ltd
• PTA
• Thompson Feeds
• A1 Concrete

The specialist school status designation will be for a period of 4 years. In monetary terms we will receive £100.00 per pupil in each of the 4 years to support equally the implementation of the school and community development plans and up to £100,000 support grant to add to £25,000 sponsorship raised to enhance provision in the specialist area.

This is a signifcant mark of approval for the school and we look forward to the development over the next 4 years.

To read our specialist schools submission please click on the link below:

Specialist Schools Submission March 06