School’s open night to mark 190th anniversary

School’s open night to mark 190th anniversary

9 April 2025

ANNSBOROUGH Integrated Primary School is holding an open night this evening as part of its 190th anniversary celebrations.

Founded in 1835 and originally a Mill School, it subsequently became a National School when all children in the village, from whatever faith or background, attended.

From its infancy, Annsborough was always an integrated seat of learning before its official designation as such in 1977 and this week it celebrates its remarkable anniversary.

A special assembly was held yesterday ahead of tonight’s open evening which takes place between 6pm and 8pm.

The school was recently praised by education inspectors for its “working together in harmony” ethos.

An Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) report said the children have a “strong sense of pride in and belonging to their school” with the well-planned and connected curriculum described as “relevant, engaging and promotes effectively the holistic development of the children.”

In addition, the ETI report said Annsborough Integrated very effectively promotes the wellbeing of all of the children, with inclusion and equality also at the heart of its ethos.

“The individualised approach to supporting all children enables them to make good progress,” the report continues.

“A strength of the school’s provision is its ability to foster a learning community in a small school that maximises the learning opportunities for all children. At the time of the inspection, the evidence provided by the school demonstrates that the arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance.”

Mr Seamus McMullan, the chairman of the school’s Board of Governors, has tribute to all the staff who have contributed so much to providing such a high standard of education for all pupils who have attended this “special primary school over almost 200 years”.

He said: “The individualised approach taken by all staff in supporting children at primary level enables them to make such good progress at the beginning of their journey throughout the education system.” 

Mr McMullan said the Board of Governors appreciate how fortunate they are to have such a dedicated team of teachers and teaching assistants with a brilliant range of skills and expertise who are expertly led by principal Mrs Lynda Brown.

“The school very much appreciate the support and trust the families place in us when they send their children to this very special local rural school,” he added.