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St Mary’s College Community Faith Excellence
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, 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 sta; experience a curriculum which is unique, exible and engaging; meet our past pupils who continue to play a signicant 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 ones 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 sta member about any aspect of school life at St Mary’s College, I would really encourage you to ring (02871362154) or email us at oce@stmarysderry.com. Finally, I wish you and your child(ren) the very best in your choice of school for September 2024. Brendan McGinn (Principal)Our Principal, Mr Brendan McGinn
My name is Emer Rabbett. I am the current Head Girl. When I began my St Mary’s journey, I was a very quiet and shy Year 8 pupil and nervous about the transition to big school. I am extremely grateful to my teachers as I believe that being educated here in St Mary’s has been instrumental in helping me to grow and develop into a successful, condent, kind and caring young adult. ere are lots of opportunities to develop skills and talents beyond the classroom and that is one of the main reasons why my parents and I chose St Mary’s College. We were also inspired by the many successes of past and present pupils who have achieved in excelled in their chosen careers. I was elected to the Student Council in Year 8 and as Head Girl I now chair the Council, which is an important forum for developing leadership skills, promoting student voice and volunteering in the local community which has led to nominations for volunteering awards. ere is an extensive extra-curricular programme at lunchtime, after school and at our Saturday Wellbeing Club. When I started in Year 8, I joined lots of clubs including, Gaelic, Swimming, Triathlon and Young Enterprise. I immersed myself in these activities which helped me to develop friendships, that have strengthened during my time here. I am currently studying A level Health and Social Care, History and Technology and I have been inspired by my teachers to pursue a career as an educator. I am proud to part of the St Mary’s family where I have been happy, cared for and my talents have been nurtured.Introducing our Junior and Senior Head GirlsEmer Rabbett.Erin CampbellMy name is Erin Campbell, Junior Head Girl. St Mary’s has given me great opportunities to develop my musical talent. Attending a school that had an orchestra was a major attraction for me and my parents when we were choosing a school. When I started in Year 8, I immediately joined the school orchestra. I play the clarinet and have recently received a Distinction in my Grade 4 clarinet examination. While I am excelling academically at school, I love being part of the very diverse and unique extra curricular clubs that are on oer here. I am a member of our Esports club and I am a regular competitor in the annual Digital Schoolhouse Esports tournament. One of the highlights of being part of this club was in 2023 when I ew to London and was awarded, jointly, the Digital Schoolhouse Esports Journalism prize for writing an article about the St Mary’s Esports team. e award was presented at the BAFTA building in central London and it was an experience that I will never forget. It is a great honour to be selected as the Junior Head Girl. I lead the Junior Leadership team and I am currently being trained as a Restorative Practice Peer Mentor, something I hope will allow me to help younger students and to be a role model to others.
Where pupils feel safe and are cared forOur mission statement “St Mary’s College’s vision is to create a safe, vibrant and inclusive learning community placing at its centre our Mercy Values rooted in the Catholic Faith. Our fundamental aim is the education of the whole person, blending learning with faith, and faith with daily life. We aspire to create an open, happy, stimulating and mutually respectful community environment in which young people are ableto develop to the full range of their abilities and talents in a balanced, integratedand generous way. We have in place a pastoral system designed to support your daughter andindeed yourself through all of the challenges a school and indeed life presents.Let us introduce to you key members of the pastoral team.Mr Brendan McGinnPrincipalMrs Roisin Rice Vice Principal Junior SchoolMrs Katrina Kealey Senior Teacher Junior SchoolMr Conor Lynch Vice Principal Senior SchoolMiss Yvonne ConnollySenior Teacher Senior SchoolMs Karen HoltDesignated Teacher Child ProtectionMr Eugene Moore Education Co-ordinator (SENCo)Mr David Goddard Head of Year 8
Moving to St Mary’s College: The Big Sister ProgrammeTransitioning from Primary School to Post-Primary School can be an understandable challenge for pupils. At St Mary’s College, we have an engaging and eective transition programme that begins in Primary 7. We have strong links with our local primary schools and value their outstanding work and guidance. 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 class has 2 “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 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 Head of Year. It is a very eective way of monitoring every pupil, as they become accustomed to their new school.
Our faith in actionAt St. Mary’s College, we are strongly committed to building and strengthening the Catholic ethos of the school. Underlying our teaching and our relationships are the Gospel Values of Trust, Respect, Understanding, Truth and Hope. is is embodied in our Truth badge which every pupil receives in Year 8 and wears throughout their time with us. Our aim is that pupils show respect and care for one another and for all who work in this place of learning. 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 of 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 condent women with a strong sense of justice who demonstrate social responsibility, care for those in our communities and foster a spirit of inclusion.
Mercy Girl Effect Global Leadership Conferencee Mercy Girl Eect Team travelled to Philadelphia in June 2023, joining over one hundred students to participate in a Global Leadership Conference. During the conference the team had the opportunity to collaborate, network and share with others on how we can help build a world t for all. e theme of the conference was “Supplying an Education through Mercy”Each year the conference gathers young female leaders who attend Mercy schools. e girls work together on a specic education project that is aimed at helping the life chances of young people in the developing world. roughout the conference the young leaders are encouraged to reect on the life of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.At St Mary’s we are very proud of our mercy values. We are committed to our Catholic ethos, Mercy values and Faith Formation in our pupils and strive for Truth as embodied in our school motto.
Where pupils are welcomedYear 8 Induction/Welcome ceremonyYear 8 Summer School • Ceremony of Light• Year 8 Mass• Presentation of Truth Badge and School Prayer• Welcome Pack• Introduction to e Pastora Team• Safeguarding Guidelines• Street Dance• Cheerleading• Drama• Singing• Circus Acts• Puppet eatre• Outdoor/Indoor pursuitsMiss Emma-Jayne KellyPrimary Secondary LinksCoordinator
Welbeing Club - A partnership between St Mary’s College & Lisneal College Pupils from St Marys College and Lisneal College enjoy making new friends, learning new skills and most importantly having fun together every Saturday morning. Pupils can choose from a range of fun activ-ities. All activities are free of charge.Where pupils have fun
Kyra Griffin PhotographyKyra Griffin Photography
Message from Leader of Wellbeing – Mrs MolloyI feel very privileged to have the very important role of Leader of Wellbeing in St. Mary’s College. I coordinate and plan opportunities for every pupil and sta member to partake in the 5 ways to wellbeing. With half of our sta trained in Mental Health First Aid, this school is taking seriously the area of wellbeing. Positive, condent, resilient, kind, happy individuals successfully manage and overcome diculties and live a balanced and fullling life. Your Health, Wellbeing and Happiness will remain key priorities for us.Being Well - Doing WellWe want to recognise & celebrate our pupils not just for their academic achievements in school, but for their Compassion, Empathy and Respect which they show to one another.We have introduced a “Kindness Counts” Award to encourage our pupils to be kinder to themselves, each other & the wider school community. We want to embed a culture of Kindness throughout our school so that every pupil is a “Happy Pupil” and therefore a “Successful Pupil”. “e smallest Act of Kindness is worth more than the Greatest Intention”Kahlil GibranRoxanne Nixon, NeighbourhoodRegeneration OcerS.M.I.L.E. (St Mary’s Individual Learning Experience): is programme provides support to our pupils in the following areas: anxiety, mental health, social isolation, family and home life, bereavement and sexual identity.
Eve McIvor, Past Pupil and Makaton Teacher
Enrichmente Enrichment programme in Key Stage 3 is designed to promote Health and Wellbeing within the curriculum. As part of this innovative curriculum pupils take time out to develop and participate in:Positive wellbeing techniques MakatonPeer Mentoring Restorative Practice Study Skills Community OutreachIn injunction with Education Authority: ‘Being Well, Doing Well’ programme we are enhancing our provision to ensure our pupils have a happy, nurturing and fulling school experience.
A school day in the life of a St Mary’s Girl8.10am - 8.40am: You can go to Breakfast club or Computer Club 8.45am: My school day begins by meeting my friends in the assembly hall. I join my form class, listen to important noticesand say a prayer.8.50am: I go to my form class with my form tutor who will check to see if everyone is doing okay and to take my attendance.9.00am - 10.20am: I have a double lesson in English10.10am - 10.20am: Break time10.20am - 11.40am: Next I have a double Science lesson.11.40am: It’s lunchtimeWhat can I do at lunchtime? Well, let’s have a look:- Orchestra - Environment Club- Board & Social Games - History Club- Cross Country - Traditional Group- Quiz Club - Fun Fitness- Stem Club - Comic & Gaming Club
8.10am - 8.40am: You can go to Breakfast club or Computer Club 8.45am: My school day begins by meeting my friends in the assembly hall. I join my form class, listen to important noticesand say a prayer.8.50am: I go to my form class with my form tutor who will check to see if everyone is doing okay and to take my attendance.9.00am - 10.20am: I have a double lesson in English10.10am - 10.20am: Break time10.20am - 11.40am: Next I have a double Science lesson.11.40am: It’s lunchtimeWhat can I do at lunchtime? Well, let’s have a look:- Orchestra - Environment Club- Board & Social Games - History Club- Cross Country - Traditional Group- Quiz Club - Fun Fitness- Stem Club - Comic & Gaming Club12.25pm: 15 mins with my form tutor who checks in to see how we are doing and of course our attendance and punctuality12.40pm: Now I have an Enrichment lesson1.20pm: Next I have a PE lesson1.55pm: Lesson 7 is Technology & Design2.30pm: And my nal lesson, lesson 8, is Mathematics. This lesson ends at 3.10pm.I also study;- History - Religious Education (RE)- Music - Geography- LLW - Art & Design- ICT - Language- DramaA school day in the life of a St Mary’s Girl
Where pupils learn bestSt Mary’s College is an innovative, forward thinking school, embracing new and emerging technologies. Our teaching sta engage in Continuous ProfessionalDevelopment to ensure we are up to date with research on the eectiveness of dierent teaching methodologies. Excellence in teaching and learning ensures each pupil is given the ideal opportunities to reach their potential.ScienceReligious EducationHome Economics Physical Education
Mathematics Geography ICTDramaEnglish
Histroy English Learning for Life and WorkArt & Design Technology & Design LanguagesWhere pupils achieve the outstanding
Where pupils reach new heights
Rewarding LearnersKey Stage 3 RewardingLearnersIn St Mary’s College we recognise that learningis a process. Our young people need guidanceand nurture to achieve their full potential. Wehave introduced an innovative reward schemethat recognises pupils when they display apositive learning behaviour. Pupils earn meritstickers from their teachers in class and parentscan follow their child’s progress by checkingthe merit stickers collected in the homeworkdiary. Pupils are motivated to learn by our MeritBadges. Pupils receive a merit badge to wearproudly on their blazerLearner of the MonthWe celebrate our pupils every month at St Mary’s College when we award a ‘Learner ofthe Month’ to some pupils from each form classin Year 8, 9 and 10. is is based on the meritstickers they have collected that month andother positive learning behaviours.
Nurturing talents
Inspiring Gifts
Where pupils are inspiredCaoimhe MullanGained her referee licence in June 2023 after successfully completing the courseBernadette FerreiraNorthern Ireland International footballer. U17Aoife HarkinKick boxer and PE ambassadorFreya Cummings Won a dance scholarship to Jorey Ballet School Elise Mc Dermott Successfully made it through intensive trials and gained her spot on the u16 Ulster Rugby team
UKYOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 Where pupils achieve the outstandingMaeve Stillman
UKYOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR 2023 UKYOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 Where pupils achieve the outstandingKaycee Deery
where we broaden horizons
Preparing our pupils for a Digital FutureOur students are equipped to collaborate, communicate and create using the latest digital technology. We recognise that each learner is growing up in an ever more connected world. ey have a wealth of knowledge at their ngertips and learning what to do with it is a vital skill. roughout the curriculum at St Mary’s College we help young people navigate the connected world we live in and use it to their advantage.Future proof learning & teaching We are embracing the challenge of preparing St Mary’s pupils for futures in the digital world. Our innovative skills based curriculum develops the pupils creative problem solving, agility, communication, collaborating and information analysis skills. We are at the forefront of educational development and we continue to add to our innovative curriculum that will support and inspire all of our pupils to learn and achieve. In Year 8 pupils will be introduced to coding, games development and have the opportunity to design and develop their very own Apps. e IT department oer a range of clubs and invite pupils to take part in numerous competitions.ese include:St Mary’s College is a Digital Schoolhouse• Saint Mary’s College has been selected to take part in an award-winning national programme, Digital School House, powered by PlayStation®. is exciting programme oers support to teachers in delivering the computing curriculum. St. Mary’s College is the Digital Schoolhouse hub for the Northwest.• Code Club• Games Development Club• Sentinus App Development Competition• UCode• Comic Club• Minecra Club
We are a Microsoft Showcase School As a Microso Showcase school we have been recognised for our commitment to transforming education through digital learning. St Mary’s has been a Showcase school since 2014 and is one of only three Showcase Schools in the Northern Ireland.We really value our Microso Showcase School status. It is a privilege to be a part of this exclusive, global community. An integral part of our vision is to empower learners and teachers to use digital technology seamlessly, supporting learning and teaching so that it improves achievement, engagement and experience.
Where pupils prepare for their future careerInnovative careers educationWhen our young people enter the workplace, it will most likely be in a career that does not yet exist. At St Mary’s we ensure that every pupil learns and develops vital employability skills throughout their school journey. Year 8 pupils explore futures in the local and global economy; personal career planning; and entrepreneurship. All pupils are equipped to identify their individual interests and aspirations helping them make better informed choices and ultimately have fullling careers in the future. In recent years St Mary’s College have won the Irish News ‘Careers Inspiration Award’ which acknowledges the strong links we have developed with local employers and business leaders. is achievement is shared by all sta of the school who promote work skills and encourage careers exploration in their subject areas.Learning to be leadersPupils have progressed on to courses in Aerospace Engineering; Architecture; Biomedical Engineering; Computer Forensics; History; Market-ing; Personalised Medicine; Midwifery; Radiography; and Teaching to name a few. We oer an extensive programme of work experience in partnership with our local businesses and virtually. is gives young people an insight into the world of work and allows them to build their employability skills. We welcome a host of inspirational speakers and successful work-related events for pupils to learn from. is included Role Model Day, Entrepreneur talks, Career insight visits, STEM Ambassador training and the Females in IT partnership.Opportunities for allIn St Mary’s College we encourage all pupils to study at University and stay local. We are proud supporters of our local colleges: Ulster University, North West Regional College, Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny) and Queen’s University. Each year we take part in the ‘Queen’s University Pathway Opportunity Programme’ providing support to the talented young people of St Mary’s College.Pupils spend one week on campus having fun, partaking in lectures and doing assignments. ere were 5 pupils who took part this year, each receiving a guaranteed oer with lower grades for their chosen specialism of Psychology and Humanities. ey will also receive a £1000 bursary in their rst year.“e top skills which employers see as rising in prominence include critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, andskills in self-management such as active learning, resilience, stress tolerance and exibility.” World Economic Forum - e Futureof Jobs Report
Ava CanneySt. Mary’s has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. e support I received when applying to Yale was truly unique from the wonderful sta at the school. My education has always been important to me, I started thinking about applying to Yale when I was 14. Now here I am, 6 years later midway through my second year studying Chemical Engineering. Outside of the classroom at Yale I am Media Chair for the Society of Women Engineers, treasurer of An Cumann Éirennach, sing with STM choir, team lead for ChemE Car and work at the Yale Undergraduate Oce of Admissions as a Recruitment Coordinator. Although I am now in the US, I receive great support from the sta at St.Mary’s and I am eternally grateful to the whole school community.
Junior Prize givingMrs Devlin congratulating pupils from Year 8 & 9 pupils Kayla Boylan, Leia Boylan, Anna Nelis, Grace Mc Connell, Rhyleigh Harris, and Ava Rose Mc Bride who achieved GCSE IrishMrs Rice (Vice-Principal) congratulating Merit WinnersMrs McDonald congratulating Top Achievers in Year 10Ms McGee congratulating pupils receiving Attendance CerticatesMs E J Kelly presenting the Father Jimmy Trophy for Star Potential recognising music talent to Lucy Jennings and Cameron KellyMr Mc Ginn (Principal) & Mr Molloy congratulating Fay Donaghey who was Top Candidate in Design & Technology KS3
Senior Prize givingEllie Jo Campbell who achieved top marks in Business, French, History, RE, DA Science and Health & Social Care.Congratulations to Brianna Mc Colgan, Rebecca Lewis & Grace Dornan achieving top marks in GCSE Irish.Congratulations to Brianna Mc Colgan on achieving top marks in Irish, Triple Award Science Biology and ChemistryKaycee Deery was awarded e Laurence Beirne Trophy for Outstanding Commitment to Science, also achieved top marks in English Language, Triple Science Biology, Art and Math.Congratulations to Abagail Deely 1st place Geography, 1st Place in Biology, 1st Place in Chemistry, 1st Place in English Literature, 1st Place in LLW and 2nd place in English Language & Physics. Overall joint First Place. Abagail DeelyCongratulations to Megan Scott who achieved 1st Place in Technology & Design, 1st Place in Art & Design, 1st place in Maths, 1st Place in Digital Technology, 1st Place Double Award Science and 2nd Place in English Literature.
Pupils who volunteere Shining Light pageant aims to highlight mental health among young people. rough pageants they raise money to provide services throughout the city and fund various charities. In April 2023, Casey took part in her rst pageant. is was held in the Everglades. Casey was crowned the junior charity mental health queen 2023. August 2023 Casey took part in the Global Hope pageant. As a result she was crowned teen queen 2023.Katie Burnside, Aimee boast and Niamh Mc Cleanfrom year 13 recently spent four days in the Glen Oaks Disability day centre painting Christmas windows in the building for the patients.”My name is Danielle Glackin. I am in Year 8 and I am an altar server, every Sunday in St Eugene’s Cathedral.Emer Rabbett volunteers in local Steelstown GAA on a weekley bases and helped the U20’s girls take home the Ulster title and contributed to many matches throughout the years.Emer also gives up free time to read christmas books and stoiries at local crechesEmer is also know as a very familiar face in ward 6 and 16 at Altnigalvin Hospital as she helps at Christmas events and also creates care boxes.In school Emer gives her spare time to ensure that all visitors are welcomed, she recently welcomed a group of girls from Singapore, answered their questions, discussed school life, sat with them throughout break and lunch and waited with them aer school hours to ensure they got in the right taxi.
Examination SuccessSt Mary’s College is renowned for its outstanding academic success both at GCSE and A Level (and equivalents). Our curriculum is extensive and versatile, and we are unafraid of adapting our examination oer to meet the needs of all of our pupils. Each pupil pathway is specically tailored to meet every learning need and, as a result, we have students undertaking 4 A Levels, 3 A Levels, a mixture of A Levels and BTECs and a purely vocational pathway. is also applies at GCSE level. GCSE: Percentage of grades A*-B & A*-C (2021 – 2023)GCE: Percentage of grades A*-B & A*-C (2021 – 2023)Year A*-B A*-C2021 51.1% 88.1%2022 40.3% 84%2023 51.4% 83.6%Year A*-B A*-C2021 54.9% 91.9%2022 50.8% 82.7%2023 35.8% 72.1%
Year 8 Admission Criteria September 202435 Northland RoadDerryBT48 0ANTelephone: 028 7136 2154Email: oce@stmarysderry.comWeb: www.stmarysderry.comTwitter: @SaintMarysDerryFacebook: facebook.com/stmarysderryPrincipal: Mr Brendan McGinnChairperson of the Board ofGovernors: Mrs Sarah KellyVoluntary MaintainedSecondary School GirlsAge Range: 11 – 18Admissions No: 130Enrolment No: 825Roll: 856Saturday 13th January 2024(10am - 1pm)St Mary’s College will beopen to visit in person atthe above date and time.St Mary’s College Open Day
Faughanvale & 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 validate 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 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 22nd February 2024 and up to 4pm on 4th March 2024 as dened by the Education Authority). 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). Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2024RESPECTIVE 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 2024-25During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria, punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered. e application procedure opens on 30th January 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 22nd February 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 22nd February 2024 and up to 4pm on 4th March 2024 will be treated as a late application.As 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 2024/25.1. 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 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 dened 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 rst preference school:ArdmoreClaudy (Cumber Upper & Learmount)Culmore
Sister to be dened 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 2024/2025 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 certicate, parish details, whether the child has sisters (or equivalent as dened 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 rst pref-erence 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 dened 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-subscriptione 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 certicate) in the order set out below.D L Z T C H Y E O’ Mc J K P A Q G W R V N B M F Mac I S X O Ue order was determined by a random selection of letters witnessed by the Board of Governors on 27th November 2023.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 2024-25 as outlined above. In the event of a place becoming available, the pupil at the top of the list will be oered a place. is waiting list will remain valid until 31st August 2024.Surnames / Forenames Identicala) 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 certicate and admitted in this order.d) If, after this process, any applicants still tie for a nal place, the place(s) will be allocated by random computerised selection.Punctual and Late Applicationse application procedure opens on 30th January 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 22nd February 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 22nd February 2024 and up to 4pm on 4th March 2024 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 27th November 2023.Importance of Documentation / Supplementary Evidencee 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 qualies a child for admission will be veried before the child is admitted to the College. e provision of false or incorrect information, insucient 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 oer a place. Original verication 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 oer 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 suce.Year 8 Admission Criteria September 2024
Admission 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 20241. To verify the applicants name and date of birth, the long version of the applicant’s birth certicate is required.2. To verify the applicant’s address, any two of the following is required: • A current letter awarding Child Benet, Tax credit or Universal credits in respect of the applicant or another letter relating to this benet • e applicant’s Medical Card showing the applicant’s current normal place of residence • A current bank, post oce, 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 verication, will be considered at the discretion of the Board of Governors. If, therefore, you are unable to provide the specic 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 oer 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 verication process. Procedures For Operating a Waiting List for Admission to Year 8 In 2024/25On 1st September 2024, a new waiting list will be drawn up, replacing the previous one, consist-ing only of those who have made known to the school their wish to remain on the waiting list after 1st September 2024. e rank order of the new waiting list will follow that laid out in our Admissions Criteria 2024-25. is waiting list will cease to operate after 30th June 2025.Numbers of applications and admissions *includes statemented pupilsYear Admissions No. Total ApplicationsAll Preferences Total Admissions2021/2022 130 127 127*2022/2023 130 182 152*2023/2024 130 166 137*
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE 44Principal: Mr Brendan McGinn 35 Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland, BT48 0AN.e: oce@stmarysderry.comt: (028) 7136 2154www.stmarysderry.comwww.bigshdesign-ad.comOpening school Mass at St Eugene’s CathedralST. MARY’S COLLEGE 44Principal: Mr Brendan McGinn 35 Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland, BT48 0AN.e: oce@stmarysderry.comt: (028) 7136 2154www.stmarysderry.comwww.bigshdesign-ad.comOpening school Mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral