Information from St Patricks Grammar School

Dear Principal and parents,

The Admission Criteria for Year 8 entry to St. Patrick’s Grammar School in September 2021 was published on Tuesday 2 February.  

Please use the link below to access our virtual school tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3glb1O5o9bo

We are also hosting a virtual Q&A session at 7pm on Thursday 25 February. Parents can register by emailing: jreid156@c2kni.net before 3.30pm on Thursday.

This came shortly after the Education Authority published Development Proposals (DP) 604-607 on 27 January to close three schools in Downpatrick, including St. Patrick’s Grammar and open a new 1600+ ‘Voluntary Grammar School’ with up to 40% admitted via academic selection.  

Moreover, the DP places feeder primary schools into two categories, Category A and Category B.  

I am sure that you have been asked questions about admission and the future of education in Downpatrick.  

We want to offer our support and advice where needed and appropriate and answer any questions that you as Principal or your parents, particularly those in P6 and below, might have. We are aware that many parents will be anxious, and we want to bring as much clarity as we can to the situation to inform their decision making.  

Please share this message with your parents and ask them to contact us directly if we can help in any way – info@stpatricks.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk  

We have also sent a message to all P7 boys registered to sit the GL at our school.

Joe McCann 

Principal 

St. Patrick's Grammar School