Following the College’s highly successful P7 INOV8 morning on Friday 9th January which saw over 780 Primary School pupils, together with their P7 teachers and Principals, visit Cullybackey College, the school again threw open its doors for its Open Evenings on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th January.
Mr Donaldson, the College Principal, offered a warm welcome to all the visiting pupils and parents and extended a special welcome to those who were visiting the school for the first time. He said that the College has a positive reputation within the local area, reflected in a steady increase in enrolment in recent years. He stated this was reflective of the hard work, time and commitment the staff have invested in the pupils under their care.
Mr Donaldson suggested the College was an ideal sized school – large enough to ensure pupils could be provided with breadth and variety of provision, but not so big that they might feel overwhelmed. The school’s extensive extra-curricular provision was highlighted as an ideal means of helping the pupils to acquire new interests and skills outside the classroom as well as being an ideal opportunity to make new friends.
In addition, the high standard of education was emphasised with pupils achieving considerable success at both GCSE and A-Level with percentage pass rates above the Northern Ireland average. Mr Donaldson also indicated that the growth in Sixth Form, offering a wide range of both academic and vocational A-Levels, means that young people can commit to 7 years at the College, completing A-Levels before going on to University, FE or employment. In addition, he made reference to the very positive Inspection of September 2025 when Inspectors praised the standard of teaching and pastoral support which ensures pupils feel happy in, and connected to, the College.
Mention was also made of the exciting plans for our new school which is due to open in September 2029.To conclude, two of our pupils, Alfie from Year 8 and Charlotte out Head Girl, shared with the audience their positive experiences of Cullybackey College to date.
Parents and pupils were subsequently provided with a tour by sixth form guides. This proved hugely popular as the parents commented on the smooth movement around the building and also how informative and engaging their guides were, aided and abetted by colourful, numbered signs which ensured no one got lost!
Parents and children were given an extensive tour of the College during which time they had complete access to all Departments, witnessing first-hand a wide range of engaging, interactive, educational activities. Each Department showcased their many strengths with both teachers and pupils keen to engage with their visitors.
The evening concluded with light refreshments in the College canteen.
