Business Details
St Brigids College | Catholic Secondary School in Derry
St Brigids College is a Catholic secondary school dedicated to providing an inclusive, all-ability education for pupils aged 11-18 in Derry, Northern Ireland. Our institution fosters spiritual, moral, and academic development through a curriculum that caters to diverse learning needs, including Irish Medium education and specialist support for autistic pupils. With a focus on care, courtesy, and responsibility, we maintain a disciplined yet nurturing environment that prioritises individual growth and community engagement.Our staff are committed to delivering high-quality teaching, evidenced by consistently strong GCSE and A Level results surpassing regional averages. We actively cultivate partnerships between pupils, families, and the local community to create a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility for educational outcomes.
Services
Secondary Education
Irish Medium Education
Autism Support Services
Vocational Training
Sixth Form Education
Pastoral Care Programmes
Extracurricular Activities
Parent-Teacher Communication
Special Educational Needs Support
Community Engagement Initiatives
Highlights and features
- Only all-ability 11-18 Catholic school in Derry with Irish Medium stream
- Specialist autism provision with dedicated support infrastructure
- GCSE and A Level results significantly above Northern Ireland averages
- Curriculum combining academic rigour with vocational training options
- Strong community partnerships enhancing educational and personal development
Services
Secondary Education
We provide comprehensive secondary education for pupils aged 11-18, combining academic excellence with character development. Our curriculum includes core subjects, vocational options, and specialist Irish Medium instruction. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, we ensure individualised support while maintaining high academic standards evidenced by our above-average GCSE results.
Irish Medium Education
Our Irish Medium stream delivers full curriculum instruction through the Gaelic language, preserving cultural heritage while meeting national educational standards. Qualified bilingual staff support language acquisition alongside subject mastery. This programme caters to both native speakers and learners, fostering bilingual proficiency within a Catholic educational framework.
Autism Support Services
We operate a dedicated Autism Specific Centre with specially trained staff and adapted learning environments. Our provision includes individualised education plans, sensory support spaces, and social skills development programmes. This specialist provision ensures autistic pupils receive tailored support while integrating with mainstream school activities where appropriate.
Vocational Training
Our vocational curriculum pathway offers practical qualifications in construction, motor vehicle studies, and health & social care. Industry-standard facilities and work placement opportunities prepare students for direct employment or further technical education. This programme maintains academic rigour while developing workplace competencies valued by local employers.
Sixth Form Education
Our sixth form provision delivers advanced academic and vocational qualifications with personalised progression planning. Subjects include traditional A Levels alongside technical diplomas, supported by university application guidance and career counselling. Recent cohorts have achieved strong results enabling progression to higher education and professional training programmes.
People
Mr Sean McCay
Principal
Mr McCay leads St Brigids College with over 20 years' experience in Catholic education. He champions inclusive learning while maintaining academic excellence, evidenced by the school's improving examination results. His leadership focuses on creating a supportive environment where pupils develop both personally and academically.
Questions
What makes St Brigid's College unique?
We are Derry's only all-ability 11-18 Catholic school offering both mainstream and Irish Medium education alongside specialist autism provision.
What curriculum options are available?
We provide academic GCSEs, vocational qualifications, and Irish Medium instruction across key stages 3-5 with personalised learning pathways.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our Autism Specific Centre offers tailored support while our inclusive approach integrates additional needs provision across all teaching environments with specialist staff.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We provide over 25 clubs including sports teams, creative arts, academic enrichment, and community service opportunities for all age groups.
How are parents involved in school life?
We maintain regular communication through our SIMS Parent app and welcome family participation in school events and governance.
What are the school's academic achievements?
Our GCSE and A Level results consistently exceed Northern Ireland averages, with particular strengths in science, mathematics, and vocational subjects.
