Business Details
30 Years
experience
Inclusive Primary Education Excellence in Belfast
Established in 1996, Oakwood Integrated Primary School was founded by a group of dedicated parents seeking an inclusive educational environment. Our vision of 'Learning, working and playing together for a better tomorrow' drives our commitment to fostering academic excellence within a nurturing, inclusive community. Recognised as the first primary school in Northern Ireland to achieve Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship status, we pride ourselves on our child-centred approach, which ensures every student achieves their full potential. Our curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, and responsive to individual needs, supported by a team of experienced educators. The Education Training Inspectorate (ETI) has consistently praised our outstanding teaching, pastoral care, and strategic use of staff expertise.We maintain strong partnerships with parents and the wider community, creating a collaborative environment where lifelong friendships and academic success flourish. Our graduates often return to share their achievements, reflecting the lasting impact of our inclusive ethos. With a focus on leadership, mutual respect, and holistic development, we prepare children for future educational challenges while nurturing their personal growth. Our facilities include a purpose-built primary school and a modern nursery, serving 203 primary and 26 nursery children. We are actively pursuing full-time nursery status to expand our services further.
Services
Nursery Education
Primary Education
Inclusive Learning Programs
Parental Involvement Activities
Curriculum Enrichment
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- First primary school in Northern Ireland to achieve Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship status
- Outstanding pastoral care and inclusive teaching methods recognised by ETI
- Strategic use of staff expertise to personalise learning experiences
- Proven track record of preparing students for diverse post-primary pathways
- Active parental involvement through stay-and-play sessions and super learning days
Associations and certifications
- Inclusion Quality Mark
What people say
Inclusive community
Outstanding pastoral provision
Exemplary pupil participation
Highly effective teaching approaches
Strong parental engagement
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery provides part-time education for children aged 3-4, focusing on foundational skills through play-based learning. The curriculum nurtures social development, creativity, and early literacy/numeracy. Sessions operate from 8:45am-11:15am, with plans to expand to full-time provision pending approval.
Primary Education
Comprehensive education for children aged 4-11 covering all NI curriculum areas. Specialised teaching in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts is delivered through adaptive methods. Class sizes average 25 students with additional support for individual learning needs.
Inclusive Learning Programs
Tailored interventions for children with special educational needs, including small-group instruction and adaptive teaching strategies. Our Learning Support Coordinator works with teachers to modify curricula while maintaining full classroom integration.
Parental Involvement Activities
Regular stay-and-play sessions, super learning days, and parents council meetings foster home-school collaboration. Parents participate in curriculum planning and school improvement initiatives through structured consultation processes.
Curriculum Enrichment
Music tuition (guitar, piano, flute), drama productions, and sports coaching enhance core learning. Outdoor education utilises our purpose-built facilities, including an outdoor classroom and specialist PE equipment.
People
Claire Howe
Principal
Principal since 2001 with 23 years of leadership experience at Oakwood. Championed inclusive education practices that earned IQM Flagship status. Oversees strategic planning and staff professional development.
Miss McClure
Vice-Principal
Vice-Principal and Primary 5 Teacher with responsibility for child protection. Coordinates curriculum development and staff mentoring programs. Holds postgraduate qualifications in inclusive education.
Geraldine McClenaghan
Parents Council Chair
Leads parents council in community-building initiatives and charitable partnerships. Organises monthly meetings and special events to support school resources and family engagement.
Mrs Lowry
Nursery Teacher
Qualified early years educator delivering play-based learning programs. Specialises in foundational literacy development and social skills formation for nursery children.
Mrs Conn
Learning Support Coordinator
Manages inclusive learning programs and coordinates SEN interventions. Works with teachers to adapt lesson plans and implement individualised education plans for students with additional needs.
Questions
What makes Oakwood's approach to education unique?
Our inclusive model combines academic excellence with mutual respect, ensuring all children thrive regardless of background. Adaptive teaching methods and small-group interventions personalise learning experiences.
How does Oakwood support children with special educational needs?
We employ tailored interventions, adaptive teaching strategies, and a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator to modify curricula while maintaining full classroom integration for all students.
What extracurricular opportunities are available?
Music tuition, drama productions, sports coaching, and outdoor education programs enhance core learning through our purpose-built facilities and specialist equipment.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
Through stay-and-play sessions, super learning days, and monthly parents council meetings that include community-building initiatives and charitable partnerships.
What are the school's inspection ratings?
Recognised as 'Highly Effective' by ETI across all areas, with particular praise for strategic staff expertise and inclusive teaching approaches that benefit all learners.
How do I apply for nursery or primary school admission?
Application details for our nursery (ages 3-4) and primary school (ages 4-11) can be found under the 'Admissions' section of our website, with intake processes explained clearly.
