Business Details
Trusted Primary Education in Magherafelt
Castledawson Primary School is a nurturing educational institution dedicated to fostering a culture of learning, laughter, and friendship. Established to serve the local community in Castledawson, our school prioritises the holistic development of every child, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. With a team of experienced educators and strong partnerships with parents, governors, and the wider community, we deliver a high-quality curriculum that balances academic excellence with creativity and personal growth. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our recent inspection rating, which recognises our capacity for sustained progress. We provide modern, well-resourced facilities including interactive classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialist programmes to support diverse learning needs.As a Rights Respecting School, we cultivate mutual respect, active citizenship, and global awareness among our pupils. Our extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and shared education initiatives with partner schools, enrich the learning experience and build lasting friendships. We take pride in maintaining strong safeguarding practices and a supportive environment that promotes well-being and resilience. Through initiatives like Eco School and Active Travel, we instil environmental responsibility and healthy lifestyles in our students. Our vision is to equip children with the skills, curiosity, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Services
Primary Education
Nursery Provision
After-School Clubs
Specialist Support
Shared Education Programmes
Highlights and features
- We have a dedicated team of experienced educators committed to nurturing every child's potential.
- Our school maintains strong partnerships with parents and the local community to enhance learning.
- We offer specialist provision programmes for children with additional educational needs.
- Our facilities include interactive classrooms and extensive outdoor learning spaces.
- We achieved a 'high capacity for sustained improvement' rating in our recent ETI inspection.
Associations and certifications
- Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI)
Services
Primary Education
We deliver a comprehensive primary education programme for children aged 4-11, following the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Our experienced teachers create engaging lesson plans that develop core academic skills while nurturing creativity and critical thinking. With small class sizes and individualised support, we ensure every child progresses at their own pace in a positive learning environment.
Nursery Provision
Our nursery class provides high-quality early years education for children aged 3-4. Through play-based learning and structured activities, we develop foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction. The programme prepares children for primary school while fostering independence and confidence in a caring, stimulating environment.
After-School Clubs
We offer a variety of after-school clubs covering sports, arts, technology, and academic enrichment. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom, develop new skills, and promote teamwork. Clubs are led by qualified staff and provide a safe, supervised environment for children to explore interests outside regular school hours.
Specialist Support
Our specialist provision supports children with specific learning difficulties and additional educational needs. We provide tailored interventions, sensory resources, and individualised learning plans. Our trained staff work closely with parents and external agencies to ensure every child receives appropriate support to succeed.
Shared Education
We collaborate with New Row St Patrick's Primary School through shared education initiatives. These programmes promote cross-community interaction, cultural understanding, and joint learning experiences. Activities include themed projects, sports events, and religious education exchanges that enrich pupils' educational journey.
People
Mrs Marina McCusker
Principal
Mrs McCusker leads Castledawson Primary School with over 20 years of educational leadership experience. She champions inclusive education and community engagement, driving the school's recent ETI inspection success. Her vision focuses on holistic child development and innovative teaching practices.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide education for children aged 3-11, including nursery provision and primary classes from Primary 1 to Primary 7.
Do you offer after-school care?
Yes, we run various after-school clubs covering sports, arts, and academic activities until 4:30 PM on school days.
How do you support children with additional needs?
Our specialist provision offers tailored support, sensory resources, and individual learning plans for children with specific educational requirements.
Are school meals provided?
Yes, we have a canteen serving nutritious meals daily, with options for special dietary requirements.
How can parents get involved?
Parents participate through our PTA, school council representation, volunteering opportunities, and regular home-school communication channels.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain rigorous safeguarding protocols, secure premises with controlled access, and regular safety drills for all pupils and staff.
Reviews (1)
Laura Cameron
Nov 08, 2015
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I went to Castledawson Primary between 1992 and 1999 and loved it! My oldest has just finished P1 and I have no regrets about sending her here! Couldn't ask for better staff or a better local community who support each other!
