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ST MARY’SCOLLEGEACHIEVING THE OUTSTANDINGPROSPECTUS

Welcome to our school prospectus! So, what is St Mary’s College truly about? From day one, your child will become the most important part of our St Mary’s family. Our wraparound provision will support your child’s wellbeing, meet their academic and pastoral needs and develop and celebrate their gifts and skills. Your child will grow, fl ourish and mature within a vibrant, progressive and exciting teaching and learning environment.Furthermore, your child will be taught by an award winning and widely celebrated staff ; experience a curriculum which is unique, fl exible and engaging; meet our past pupils who continue to play a signifi cant role in our curriculum; and avail of facilities which are simply second to none. Our extra-curricular provision is extensive and wide ranging, including a Saturday Wellbeing Club. Your child will join a school steeped in and formed by its proud and distinguished history and it is these Sisters of Mercy and Gospel values that continue to shape everything we do at the school.

Joining St Mary’s College means your child becomes part of a Microsoft Showcase School of Excellence, ideally placed to support outstanding digital learning. St Mary’s College is a hugely popular choice for our primary seven pupils and we are fortunate to have such excellent primary schools in the Foyle area.  e school is an all-ability, non-selective one, ideally placed to cater for pupils studying four A levels to pupils undertaking purely vocational courses.  ank you in advance for taking the time to read through our prospectus. Should you wish to speak with me or any staff member about any aspect of school life at St Mary’s College, I would really encourage you to ring (02871362154) or email us at offi ce@stmarysderry.com. Finally, I wish you and your child(ren) the very best in your choice of school for September 2025. Brendan McGinn (Principal)2025. Brendan McGinn (Principal)

Where Pupils Feel Safe Where Pupils Feel Safe & Cared For& Cared ForAt St Mary’s College, we work to create a safe, inclusive, nurturing and vibrant learning At St Mary’s College, we work to create a safe, inclusive, nurturing and vibrant learning community where the child is placed at the centre of our provisions. We strive to ensure community where the child is placed at the centre of our provisions. We strive to ensure each child is nurtured spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially and each child is nurtured spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially and our ethos and values are rooted in the Catholic Faith. We have in place a pastoral system our ethos and values are rooted in the Catholic Faith. We have in place a pastoral system designed to support your child and indeed yourself through all of the challenges that a designed to support your child and indeed yourself through all of the challenges that a school and life presents. school and life presents. Let us introduce to you key members of the pastoral team:Let us introduce to you key members of the pastoral team:Mr Brendan McGinnPrincipalMrs Roisin RiceVice Principal Junior SchoolMrs Orla MulhernSenior Teacher Junior SchoolMr Conor LynchVice Principal Senior SchoolMiss Yvonne ConnollySenior Teacher Senior SchoolMs Karen HoltDesignated Teacher Child ProtectionMr Eugene Moore Education Co-ordinator (SENCo)Mrs Dana McDonaldHead of Year 8

Moving to St Mary’s CollegeMoving to St Mary’s CollegeTransitioning from Primary School to Post-Primary School can be an understandable Transitioning from Primary School to Post-Primary School can be an understandable challenge for pupils. At St Mary’s College, we have an engaging and eff ective transition challenge for pupils. At St Mary’s College, we have an engaging and eff ective transition programme, that begins in Primary 7. We have strong links with our local primary schools programme, that begins in Primary 7. We have strong links with our local primary schools and value their outstanding work and guidance.and value their outstanding work and guidance. e Big Sister Programme e Big Sister ProgrammeAs part of the transition process, we invite all our Year 8 pupils and their families to a As part of the transition process, we invite all our Year 8 pupils and their families to a Welcome Ceremony, to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter with us. Each Year 8 form Welcome Ceremony, to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter with us. Each Year 8 form class has two “Big Sisters” who not only shadow the class but keep a close eye on the pupils, class has two “Big Sisters” who not only shadow the class but keep a close eye on the pupils, ensuring they settle into new friendship groups.  ese “Big Sisters” are our most senior pupils ensuring they settle into new friendship groups.  ese “Big Sisters” are our most senior pupils who are well versed in supporting the newest members to our school community. “Big who are well versed in supporting the newest members to our school community. “Big Sisters” communicate regularly with our pastoral team, including your child’s Form Tutor and Sisters” communicate regularly with our pastoral team, including your child’s Form Tutor and Head of Year. It is a very eff ective way of monitoring every pupil, as they become accustomed Head of Year. It is a very eff ective way of monitoring every pupil, as they become accustomed to their new school.to their new school.

Student Leadership Student Leadership  ere are many leadership opportunities available at  ere are many leadership opportunities available at St Mary’s College. As well as fostering a love for learning, St Mary’s College. As well as fostering a love for learning, we aim to develop the confi dence, creativity, and leadership we aim to develop the confi dence, creativity, and leadership skills of all our pupils. We value the pupil voice and have a skills of all our pupils. We value the pupil voice and have a vibrant and dynamic student council. vibrant and dynamic student council. “St Mary’s College encourages pupils to go beyond the “St Mary’s College encourages pupils to go beyond the classroom, especially with its extra-curricular programme at classroom, especially with its extra-curricular programme at lunchtime, after school and during the Saturday Wellbeing lunchtime, after school and during the Saturday Wellbeing Club”.Club”.Kerri Brown (Head Girl)Kerri Brown (Head Girl) “I thoroughly enjoy the countless opportunities I am given “I thoroughly enjoy the countless opportunities I am given at St Mary’s College. I lead the Junior Leadership Team, at St Mary’s College. I lead the Junior Leadership Team, representing all pupils in Key Stage 3. I know that I will have representing all pupils in Key Stage 3. I know that I will have many more opportunities to achieve my best and develop my many more opportunities to achieve my best and develop my skills”.skills”.Freya Curran (Junior Head Girl)Freya Curran (Junior Head Girl)

Our Faith in ActionAt St. Mary’s College, we are strongly committed to building and strengthening our Catholic ethos.  e Gospel Values of Truth, Respect, Understanding, Trust, Honesty, Forgiveness, Charity, Service, Kindness and Compassion are at the core of our teaching, learning and relationships.  is is embodied in our Truth badge, which every pupil receives in Year 8 and wears throughout their time with us.As a Mercy school, led by the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, pupils extend their concern to those less fortunate through prayer and charitable service. We have a continued focus on home, school and parish links. e Catholic ethos permeates every aspect of our school life.  is begins every morning with our morning prayer, where we gather as a community of faith in action. We celebrate the various liturgical events which punctuate the school calendar supported by our School Chaplain, Fr. Paul Farren.  roughout the year, there are an array of opportunities for faith formation through charitable work, masses of celebration, Pope John Paul II Award, pupil enrichment programme, assemblies and retreats. Our school is committed to developing confi dent women with a strong sense of justice who demonstrate social responsibility, care for those in our communities and foster a spirit of inclusion.For the past two years, Post 16 pupils have attended the Mercy Girl Global Leadership Conference in Philadelphia.

Where Pupils Learn BestSt Mary’s College is an innovative, forward thinking school, embracing new and emerging technologies. Our teaching staff engage in continuous professional development; we recognise the importance of evidence informed practice, being highly skilled in the most eff ective teaching methodologies and being able to provide pathways for all abilities. Excellence in teaching and learning ensures that each pupil is given the best opportunities to reach their potential.

Where STEM Pupils Learn BestScience . Technology . Engineering . MathematicsAt St Mary’s College your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of STEM subjects. We have along history of STEM success and our pupils are regular fi nalists in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Competition with projects in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical categories. We are immensely proud of two of our pupils who were awarded the UK Young Scientist of the Year, Maeve Stillman in 2019 and Kacey Deery in 2023. Our Technology & Design Department work very closely with industry and third level institutions provide opportunities and career inspiration for all. Last year our students were the overall winners of the North West Regional College’s 2024 Engineering Robotics Challenge and they are currently preparing for Young Innovators with their industry palletiser design idea.

Kaycee DeeryUK Young Scientist of the Year 2023

Maeve StillmanUK Young Scientist of the Year 2019

Nurturing the Gifted

Where Pupils Have FunWe are committed to fostering and nurturing the academic and pastoral provision for each and every child, in an environment that promotes safety, fun, support and celebration. At our Saturday Wellbeing club pupils enjoy making new friends, learning new skills and most importantly having fun together every Saturday morning. Pupils can choose from a range of fun activities. All activities are free of charge.Pupils can choose from a range of fun activities that are free of charge.  ere are choices to suit all interests. Pupils can build on their culinary skills in our state of the art home economics suites or continue their coding lessons beyond the classroom.  ey can participate in more physical classes like swimming or contemporary dance.  e horse riding sessions, take place at Lenamore Stables and are very popular. We participate in Interschool Showjumping throughout the year.Our Saturday Wellbeing Club is run in partnership with Lisneal College

Being Well We believe that educating the whole child is key to unlocking her full potential.  rough our preventative and wellbeing curriculum, delivered with enriching activities, we ensure each child is equipped to achieve her dreams. Our approach nurtures every aspect of each child’sdevelopment, fostering resilience, confi dence, and life-long skills. We are committed to creating an environment where each child can thrive, knowing that she can do anything she wishes in life. With belief in herself and dedication to hard work, there are no limits to what she can achieve. We empower pupils to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence in all they do. Join us in our mission to inspire and support the next generation of strong, confi dent, and capable women.

Doing WellSt Mary’s College recently achieved the Gold Award with Aware NI for supporting mental health and wellbeing in our school. We have a dedicated Wellbeing Hub and a separate nurture room, all designed to cater for our pupils when they need that little bit of extra time out, support and care.Fostering a positive and inclusive school community requires everyone of us to live out our seventh and fi nal core value:We strive for success and continuous improvement in all we do in a climate of mutual respect, forgiveness and compassion and one that is always child-centred.

Enrichment e Enrichment programme in Key Stage 3 is designed to promote Health and Wellbeing within the curriculum. An example of some innovative activities that the pupils participate in during Enrichment are: Positive wellbeing techniques, Makaton, Peer Mentoring, Restorative Practice, Study Skills & Community OutreachIn conjunction with Education Authority: ‘Being Well, Doing Well’ programme, we are enhancing our provision to ensure our pupils have a happy, nurturing and fulfi ling school experience.

Extra Curricular ActivitiesArt & DesignAthleticsBoard & Social GamesCheerleading ClubChemistry ClubChess ClubChoirCode ClubDebating ClubDerry City Supporters ClubDrama ClubDream Ambassador programme Microsoft Young Enterprise Company Programme Esports ClubFootball ClubGaelbhratach CommitteeGaelicGCSE English LanguageHistory ClubHorse RidingInstrumental Ensembles Irish ClubIrish Traditional GroupManchester Utd FoundationMathematicsMercy Girls’ ClubPE Recovery SessionTechnology & DesignSaturday Wellbeing ClubSchool OrchestraScience Fun ClubShowjumping TeamSpanish ClubSwim ClubYoung Enterprise Company Programme Young Enterprise Company Programme Gaelbhratach CommitteeGaelbhratach CommitteeGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LanguageInstrumental Ensembles Instrumental Ensembles Irish Traditional GroupIrish Traditional GroupManchester Utd FoundationManchester Utd FoundationMercy Girls’ ClubMercy Girls’ ClubPE Recovery SessionPE Recovery SessionTechnology & DesignTechnology & DesignSaturday Wellbeing ClubSaturday Wellbeing ClubShowjumping TeamShowjumping Team

Achieving the Outstanding

Inspiring the Talented

Celebrating LearningAt St Mary’s College, we understand that learning is a journey. Our pupils are nurtured to reach their full potential. To encourage this, we have a unique reward system that celebrates pupils when they demonstrate positive learning behaviours. Teachers award merit stickers to students in class, and parents can track their child’s progress by reviewing the merit stickers recorded in the homework diary.Pupils are celebrated for their achievements through merit badges and the “Learner of the Month” award. Merit badges are given to students who consistently demonstrate positive learning behaviours such as persistence, creativity, and teamwork.  ese badges recognise their hard work and commitment to being fl exible, collaborating with others and problem solving. Additionally, each month, one outstanding pupil from each form class is chosen as the ‘Learner of the Month’ for their exceptional eff orts, attitude, and progress in their studies.  is recognition not only encourages students to keep striving for excellence but also fosters a positive and motivating learning environment.

Empowering Pupils for Future CareersAs our pupils enter the workforce, they will likely pursue careers that haven’t yet been created. At St Mary’s College, we ensure that every student develops essential employability skills throughout their educational journey. Pupils explore career opportunities within the local and global economy, personal career planning, and entrepreneurship. We equip all pupils to identify their individual interests and aspirations, empowering them to make informed decisions and pursue fulfi lling careers in the future.

At St Mary’s College, our pupils progress on to a diverse range of career pathways, including Accountancy, Architecture, Biomedical Science, Computing, Engineering, Global Business, Law, Midwifery, Music, Paramedic Science, Primary Teaching, and Radiography among many others. Our extensive work experience programme in partnership with local businesses and virtual platforms, provides pupils with valuable insights into the world of work while helping them develop key employability skills. We encourage all pupils to consider university education, with a strong emphasis on staying local. St Mary’s College is proud to support third level institutions such as Ulster University, North West Regional College, Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), and Queen’s University.  rough our involvement in the ‘Queen’s University Pathway Opportunity Programme,’ we provide additional support to talented students.

Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2025RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS e Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admissions Criteria set out herein.ADMISSIONS CRITERIA 2025-26As currently required by the law, priority will be given to pupils normally resident in Northern Ireland before children who normally reside elsewhere. In the event of over-subscription, the following criteria, which was drawn up by the Board of Governors of St Mary’s College, will be applied in the order set down, to select pupils for Year 8 entry in 2025/26. 1. Applicants whose sister(s), half-sister(s), step-sister(s) or foster-sister(s) are presently or were formerly enrolled at the school and who have chosen St Mary’s College as their fi rst preference. Please note that for criterion 1, each parent/guardian is required to provide in the Admissions Criteria Notes section of their online / written application the full name and date of birth of the sister(s) or equivalent (as de ned above) whether referring to a present or past pupil(s).  is is important in order to validate eligibility for this criterion. If the sister(s) or equivalent is currently at St Mary’s College, each parent/guardian is also asked to indicate “yes” at the “Sister at School” option. 2. Applicants who presently reside in the following parishes (in no particular order) and who have chosen St Mary’s College as their fi rst preference school:ArdmoreClaudy (Cumber Upper & Learmount)CulmoreFaughanvale & Lower CumberGlendermott/Waterside (St Columb’s - Chapel Road, Immaculate Conception - Trench Road, St Mary’s - Newbuildings)Holy Family (Ballymagroarty)Our Lady of Lourdes (Steelstown)St Mary’s (Creggan)Strathfoyle: Strathfoyle/Enagh LoughTemplemore (St Eugene’s, St Columba’s, Long Tower) ree Patrons (St Patrick’s - Pennyburn, St Brigid’s - Carnhill, St Joseph’s - Galliagh)Please note that for criterion 2, each parent/guardian is required to provide in the Admissions Criteria Notes Section of their online application / written application the name of the parish that the applicant resides in from the list provided above to vali-date their eligibility for this criterion. 3. Applicants presently resident in the above named parishes (in no particular order) who have chosen St Mary’s College as their fi rst preference non-selective school. Please note that for criterion 3, each parent/guardian is required to provide in the Admissions Criteria Notes section of their online / written application the name(s) of the selective / grammar school(s) chosen ahead of St Mary’s College and the name of the parish the applicant resides in from the list provided above to validate their eligibility for this criterion. 4. Applicants presently resident in the above named parishes (in no particular order) and who have placed at least one non-selective school ahead of St Mary’s College. Please note that for criterion 4, each parent/guardian required to provide in the Admissions Criteria Notes section of their online / written application the name(s) of the non-selective school(s) chosen ahead of St Mary’s College and the name of the parish the applicant resides in from the list provided above to validate their eligibility for this criterion. 5. Applicants who are presently resident in other parishes in Northern Ireland.

Please note that for criterion 5, each parent/guardian is required to provide in the Admissions Criteria Notes section of their online / written application the name of the parish the applicant resides in to validate their eligibility for this criterion. 6. Applicants whose applications are late (received after noon (GMT) on 20th February 2025 and up to 4pm on 25th February as outlined in the Department of Education’s Circular Number 2024/16). Please note that for criterion 6, each parent/guardian is required to supply all information pertaining to their child(ren)’s relevant criterion (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5). Sister to be defi ned as applicants who at the date of their application have a sister(s), half-sister(s), step-sister(s) or foster-sister(s) currently or previously enrolled at the school.  e permitted admission number for Year 8 as determined by the Department of Education for the academic year 2025/2026 is 130.Board of GovernorsWhen considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only consider information which is detailed on the Education Authority Admissions Portal and equivalent as approved by EA. Parents / Guardians should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the EA portal or equivalent. Examples of such information include the child’s name as it appears on the birth certifi cate, parish details, whether the child has sisters (or equivalent as defi ned in criterion 1) attending the school and the supporting evidence for this and the listing of schools where applicable (criterion 3 & 4).  e Board of Governors therefore strongly encourages all interested parties to read carefully and adhere to the guidance provided for each criterion.Furthermore, applicants whose sister(s), halfsister(s), stepsister(s) or foster sister(s) are presently or were formerly enrolled at the school and who have not chosen St Mary’s College as their fi rst preference will depending on their choices of post primary schools / residency in one of the named parishes be eligible for criterion 3, 4 or 5 (or 6 if defi ned as a “late” application).  e governors wish to remind applicants that the “eldest child” criterion is no longer used as part of the school’s admissions process. Over-subscription e following random selection process will be applied in the event of over subscription in any of the criteria listed based on the initial letter of the pupil’s surname (as stated on their long birth certifi cate) in the order set out below.O’ Q J L G D C Z S Mc H K B V T X A E Y P Ní N M U R Mac W I O F  e order was determined by a random selection of letters witnessed by the Board of Governors on 11th November 2024.In the event of oversubscription, St Mary’s College will retain a waiting list for admissions.  e waiting list will be drawn up in accordance with St Mary’s College Admissions Criteria 2025-26 as outlined above. In the event of a place becoming available, the pupil at the top of the list will be off ered a place.  is waiting list will remain valid until 31st August 2025.Surnames / Forenames Identical a)In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in alphabetical order. b)In the event of 2 identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forename will be used. In the event of forenames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the forename will be used in alphabetical order. c)In the event of identical surnames and forename, the initial of the second forename will be used. If any of these applicants do not have a second forename, they will be placed ahead of those with a second forename. If applicants have identical surnames and forenames, they will be placed in rank order of eldest child by date of birth as stated on their birth certifi cate and admitted in this order. d)If, after this process, any applicants still tie for a fi nal place, the place(s) will be allocated by random computerised selection.Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2025

Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2025Punctual and Late Applications e application procedure opens on 28th January 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 20th February 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 20th February 2025 and up to 4pm on 25th February will be treated as a late application.  e order of late applications (criterion 6) will be determined by the random selection of letter (above) as generated and witnessed by the Board of Governors on 11th November 2024.Importance of Documentation / Supplementary Evidence e Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any application/transfer form. All applicants should note that all information within an application that qualifi es a child for admission will be verifi ed before the child is admitted to the College.  e provision of false or incorrect information, insuffi cient information or the failure to provide verifying documents within the deadlines set may result in the withdrawal of a place or the inability of the College to off er a place. Original verifi cation documents are required.To enable the Board of Governors to verify the applicant’s address the following documents, in their original form, must be supplied within the timeframe set by St Mary’s College following a provisional off er of a place. In on-line applications please follow the requirements as set out in the online guidance provided; electronic copies of the required documentation will suffi ce. 1.To verify the applicants name and date of birth, the long version of the applicant’s birth certifi cate is required. 2.To verify the applicant’s address, any two of the following is required: •A current letter awarding Child Benefi t, Tax credit or Universal credits in respect of the applicant or another letter relating to this benefi t • e applicant’s Medical Card showing the applicant’s current normal place of residence •A current bank, post offi ce, Credit Union or Building Society statement which shows the address at which the applicant is resident •An addressed payslip •A current utility bill (e.g. electricity, gas, television licence, telephone) which shows the address at which the applicant is residentPlease note that other documents equally capable of verifying your information, or other equally capable means of verifi cation, will be considered at the discretion of the Board of Governors. If, therefore, you are unable to provide the specifi c documents listed above, please contact St Mary’s College to establish how you can verify your application.Your provision of these documents is essential if we are to off er your child a place at St Mary’s College. By law, St Mary’s College’s Board of Governors has a duty to verify the important information within your child’s application in order to ensure that it has applied its admissions criteria correctly and that the admissions process is accurate and fair.  e school reserves the right to contact parents / guardians directly should the need arise to assist with the verifi cation process. Important Dates to NoteDate DetailsTuesday 28th January 2025 (noon) Online EA Portal open for applications to Year 8 ursday 20th February 2025 (noon) Online EA Portal closed for applications to Year 8Saturday 10th May 2025 Applicants receive noti cation of outcome of applications on Saturday 10th May via email, where one is held, or letter. EA Online Portal open.

Procedures For Operating a Waiting List for Admission to Year 8 In 2025/26On 1st September 2025, a new waiting list will be drawn up, replacing the previous one, consisting only of those who have made known to the school their wish to remain on the waiting list after 1st September 2025.  e rank order of the new waiting list will follow that laid out in our Admissions Criteria 2025-26.  is waiting list will cease to operate after 30th June 2026.Numbers Of Applications and Admissions*Includes Statemented and Temporary Variation pupilsADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEARS 9 – 12For admission to years 9 - 12, please complete an AP1 form and contact the school directly.Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2025Year Admissions No. Total ApplicationsAll Preferences Total Admissions2021/2022 130 127 127*2022/2023 130 182 152*2023/2024 130 166 137*

Principal: Mr Brendan McGinn35 Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland, BT48 0ANo ce@stmarysderry.com(028) 71 362154www.stmarysderry.com