St Malachy's College

Founded in 1833, St Malachy’s College is a Catholic Grammar School for boys. We take great pride in the history of the College which was opened on St Malachy’s Day 3rd November 1833. The College began with eight boarders and ten day pupils. Today the population has grown to over 1000 pupils. The pupils, with the coat of arms of the Diocese of Down and Connor on their school badge, remain loyal to the rich tradition of the College.

The Catholic Christian ethos of the College is reflected in the school motto:-‘Gloria ab Intus’. This reminds us all of the importance of ‘Glory from within’ and we, through our work, endeavor to honor Bishop Crolly and the founders of the College.

The aims and ethos of the College are based on partnerships. These come in many forms and their success enables the school to be all that it is. We work very closely with our link primary schools to ensure that the transition from primary to St Malachy’s College is a natural and positive experience. We make sure we keep you informed of your son’s progress on a regular basis through our strong pastoral care system. A parent can always speak to someone who knows their child.

St Malachy’s has a very strong Careers Education Department which works in close partnership with a wide range of local companies to provide careers advice and guidance to pupils throughout each stage of the pupil’s education.

St Malachy’s College aims to develop the potential of every pupil through the provision of a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. All pupils are encouraged to participate in curricular and extra-curricular enrichment activities designed to enhance their school experience. The College learning environment is as dynamic as the learning process itself, and constantly adapts to keep pace with new developments. Over the next few years further improvements to enhance the ICT infrastructure will be made and these will enable all pupils to enhance their ICT skills.

St. Malachy's, as a Diocesan College, aims to create a Catholic ethos in which students flourish and develop all their talents. The school therefore begins from the principle that its curriculum, which is seen as the total range of learning experiences and activities provided by the school, including its pastoral provision, is intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person. Belief in a God of love, justice and forgiveness is seen as being essential to this process.

The College motto Gloria ab Intus (Glory from within) reflects our conviction that education is not merely concerned with the imparting of information but is also about helping young people to mature as individuals. The College seeks to preserve its traditions of spirituality and learning so that all pupils and staff can experience continuity in achievement and further their own spiritual, educational and personal growth in a pleasant, interesting and stimulating environment.