Page 3 - Prospectus Sept 2025

PREPARING FOR LIFE...
The school opened as Dunclug High School in September 1971, and was named after
the townland of Dunclug. Meaning, 'fortified hill' the name symbolises the school as a
focal point in the community on the north side of Ballymena. As the school has
grown, developed and secured the support of the community, it has drawn its intake
from north, south, east and west of Ballymena and the surrounding rural areas of the
borough. Known as Dunclug College since before the millennium the school is
non-selective and caters for all abilities, offering a blend of general, applied and
practical vocational courses from Year 8 through to Year 14. There are strong links with
the Ballymena Learning Community, including opportunities for collaboration
through Shared Education Projects & Ballymena Learning Together. The school has
developed strong community relations, this is evidenced by a full enrolment which
draws on past and present links with Pupils, Parents, Business, Third-Level Educational
Partners, the Board of Governors and its Teaching Staff.

SCHOOL ETHOS AND VISION...
Following consultation, the staff and Board of Governors, agreed to a new school motto of "Ad Vitam
Paramus" which translates as "Preparing for Life". This short statement perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the
school as we strive to prepare our pupils for the rest of their personal and working lives.

We endeavour to live out our vision statement which claims "We provide a high quality child-centred education in
a caring environment, built upon good personal relationships and honest partnership. Through achievement and
the development of mutual respect, all pupils are challenged and encouraged to become valued citizens."

Dunclug College is Christian in ethos and welcomes pupils from all walks of life. We hope, when our pupils arrive
they will be stimulated to enjoy and benefit from their learning and school experience and when they leave, will be
prepared for the challenges of the wider world through the knowledge and skills obtained and the characters they
have built.

THE INTAKE…
The College caters for the full range of ability, provides a broad and balanced
curriculum at Key Stage 3, a wide range of academic and vocational subjects at WELCOME
th
Key Stage 4 and has developed a relevant 6 Form Provision offering two to the
Programmes of Study, one at ‘Foundation Year’ & the second, a ‘Two Year
A-Level’ . Pupils are taught in streamed classes and encouraged to participate in DUNCLUG FAMILY...
a wide variety of extra-curricular, pastoral and enrichment activities.

PARTNERSHIP… SHARE
The College aims to promote achievements and standards at all levels, to
empower the pupil body with the appropriate skill sets to drive both, ambition in our
& success. Pupils are encouraged to give of their best, to become
ETHOS and VISION!
game-changers, to enjoy their learning journey and most of all, ‘make a

difference’ when they enter the world of work & citizenship.

LOOKING FORWARD…
Preparing for Life is about accepting change, looking forward to what makes you stronger, and more complete. The
Poet & Playwright Oscar Wilde famously wrote, ‘Be yourself. Everyone Else is Taken’. No matter which path you
take, or mountain you decide to climb, make every footstep count and each footprint will leave a lasting legacy. If
you are joining us in September 2025, I, and the wider staff, look forward to welcoming you to the family of
Dunclug College!

Niall Oliver
Principal

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