If we were to look at the ethos, I would say relationships would be the key to the school’s success – that’s not something that happens by accident

If we were to look at the ethos, I would say relationships would be the key to the school’s success – that’s not something that happens by accident

18 September 2024

THE principal of St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, Mrs Jennifer King, has said that the school will continue to go from strength to strength.

Since instituting A-Level studies 25 years ago, the school has adapted its “agile” curriculum to include more subjects, promote academic and vocational education routes and fulfil the needs and potential of every student.

As well as being one of the top 20 non-selective schools in the province for academic results, St Colman’s continues to be a pillar of the Ballynahinch community.

The Grace Fellowship Church meets there as a place for worship and meetings, while St Colman’s works with other schools which are members of the Ballynahinch Partnership.

In an exclusive interview with the Down Recorder, Mrs King detailed her ambitions to sustain the excellence the school achieves in GCSE, A-Level and vocational results, the ethos of the school and the joy, hard work and determination of all who are involved in the school community. 

“I’m into my 23rd year at St Colman’s but it doesn’t feel like it,” she said.

“I previously worked at a school in London for five and when I came here there were lots of staff who had been here for years and like them I have never wanted to leave this school.

“I think that’s testament to the school and the community of Ballynahinch.”

Mrs King taught Business Studies until she succeeded Mr Mark Morgan as principal three years ago.

Mrs King credited her predecessor for laying out “a really good formula” to maintain the excellent results the school has consistently maintained, but noted that when she became principal, there was plenty of work that needed to be addressed post Covid-19.

“We have been working on steadying the ship since the pandemic,” Mrs King explained.

“Mr Morgan left behind a tremendous legacy, but Covid has had consequences for the mental health of our children and now the cost of living crisis has put more hardships on families.

“There so much going on in the world and in society that we thought a bit of a continuity for the children was what they needed.

“Since I have taken over as principal, I thought it was a good idea to look at the values and ethos of St Colman’s,” Mrs King added. 

“Students, staff, parents and governors have all worked together to choose a set of values that best reflects the school.

“We all came up with the values of achievement, respect, kindness, creativity, community and collaboration. 

“If we were to look at the ethos, I would say relationships would be the key to the school’s success.

“When visitors come, or when parents come to our school during our open night, they all comment on the warm and welcoming feeling of St Colman’s and that’s something that makes me very proud.

“That’s not something that happens by accident – it’s a testament to the hard work of the the teachers, staff and students.”

Next year, the school will celebrate its 60th anniversary and it continues to excel and adapt its curriculum to reflect a changing society and career paths. 

An example of why St Colman’s is in the top 20 non- selective schools in Northern Ireland for academic achievement can be seen in the 2022 GCSE results, where 98% of Year 12 students secured at least five A* to C grades.

Embraced

However, the school has also embraced vocational subjects including Hair and Beauty and Technology and Design.

“The reason we have incredible results every year is because the staff are absolutely committed to what they do,” Mrs King said.

“The pupils know the teachers and support staff care about them. They know they have high expectations for them – those relationships build success.

“Provision is key for all and that’s something we feel very passionate about.

“We have children with a wide range of abilities and talents. It’s up to us to be as fluid as we can to matching our curriculum with their talents,” Mrs King added.

“Our students are able to pick from both the academic and vocational pathways which is something that has been very successful.

“We also work closely with Assumption Grammar School to help broaden the academic avenues for students in the area.”

A unique feature of St Colman’s is their introduction of a step-up year, which students make the transition from GCSE to A-Level. 

“This has been really successful for some our students,” Mrs King explained.

“It can give students an opportunity to boost their GCSE profile, while at the same time giving them a taster of what to expect at A-Level.

“I have always said that Year 13 is where a lot of maturity takes place in pupils. It can give them a bit more time to decide what avenue of education they would like to pursue.”

St Colman’s prides itself as a multi-faith school, with it’s current student body having members of the Catholic Church, Church of Ireland, Congregational Church, Presbyterian Church, Chinese traditional religion, Hinduism, Jewish and Muslim faiths. 

Mrs King describes this level of inclusion as “enriching” and “to the benefit of everyone”. 

“We pride ourselves on being a multi-faith school. We are very cognisant of that when we cerebrate faith. When we celebrate Christmas or Easter, we would also place an emphasis on how other cultures or religions would celebrate those times of the year.”

Mrs King also spoke about how as non-selective school, St Colman’s has tailored its curriculum to maximise the potential of every student who walks through their door. 

She said there was a misconception that grammar schools tend to be seen as better than non-selective schools. 

“Our system in Northern Ireland emphasises that this shouldn’t be the case, that our schools should be welcoming to all and that there isn’t a disparity of access.

“Some parents do decide to send their children to a grammar school because of that perception, but we have found that a lot of parents over the years have put St Colman’s down as their child’s first choice for post-primary education.

“Parents are more attune to the idea that it’s not a one-size-fits-all and that it’s very important to choose a school that is best suited for your child.

Mrs King continued: “A grammar school might be right for one child and non-selective might be right for another.

“I always say to parents that they will know what is right for their child. The provision for non-selective schools has improved over the years and society is starting to see that.”

“We are a very forward thinking school. “We are in our 14th year of using iPads, and it means that our students and staff are all skilled online, which makes for better learning.”

She added: “I find being the principal of St Colman’s very rewarding and seeing the delight on children’s faces when they see their results is something that makes myself and the staff so proud.

“There is definitely a place for St Colman’s in the community and I believe we will go from strength to strength.”