Official Opening of Down High School

Down High School today officially celebrated the opening of its magnificent new school building at a special ceremony attended by HM Lord Lieutenant for Co. Down, Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, and Minister for Education, Paul Givan. The formal event marks the completion of a major milestone for the school community, following its relocation to the purpose-built site.

The state-of-the-art campus represents a significant investment in the future of local education, boasting cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance both academic excellence and pupil wellbeing.

The new-build project first received outline planning approval in 2009 and in November 2022 the formal sod-cutting ceremony confirmed the official beginning towards the new build. However, the journey to the new building brought with it a profound connection to local history. Prior to construction, an extensive archaeological dig took place as a famine graveyard was discovered on site.

This historic excavation proved to be one of the largest archaeological digs of its kind in Northern Ireland. While an amazing discovery, it was one that required the utmost sensitivity, respect, and care from the school and contractors throughout the transition process.

Therefore, it was February 2023 that the construction of the new build officially began, with the school move taking place in June 2025 and welcomed the first pupils to the new site in September 2025.

Principal of Down High Mrs Maud Perry heralded the state-of-the-art building as a campus that will provide an ‘exceptional learning environment designed to support excellence in education, pupil wellbeing and environmental sustainability’. The school is also equipped with outstanding resources to enhance classroom teaching with ‘every classroom equipped with advanced interactive panel technology.’

Mrs Perry highlighted that, ‘pupil wellbeing has been at the heart of every design decision. A bright and welcoming dining hall, complemented by attractive outdoor seating areas, provides an inviting social space for pupils. Rather than a traditional school bell, short excerpts of classical music signal lesson transitions, creating a calm and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school day, while gentle background music in toilet areas helps foster a respectful and relaxing environment. Two dedicated multi-sensory wellbeing hubs also provide safe, supportive spaces where pupils can regulate, reflect and access additional wellbeing support when required.’

The picturesque surroundings also provide outstanding sporting facilities, with tennis courts, a 2G hockey pitch and rugby pitches. This is accompanied by a fully equipped fitness suite, sports hall, and multi-purpose hall providing ample opportunities for participation, performance and healthy lifestyles.

It was also important to prioritise environmental sustainability throughout the construction process and in fact the building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating in recognition of its high environmental standards. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the design of the new campus has been carefully planned to respect and enhance its exceptional setting. Significant investment has been made in extensive semi-mature tree and shrub planting, allowing the school to sit sympathetically within the landscape while enriching biodiversity. The campus also incorporates integrated swift nesting boxes within the fabric of the building, providing habitats for this protected species. These features complement Down High School’s long-standing commitment to environmental education, having achieved five Eco-Schools Green Flags and Ambassador Status. Pupils continue to build on this legacy through initiatives such as the school’s wildlife garden, complete with a full-size potting shed, raised planting beds and outdoor learning spaces.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Education, Paul Givan said,

‘It is a pleasure to be here to celebrate the official opening of Down High School today. This major project saw significant investment of over £53m, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities. It has been quite a journey. Everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved. As we look ahead, I wish everyone at Down High School continued success. I have no doubt that this new school building will be a place where pupils thrive, where talents are discovered and futures shaped.’

Chairperson of the Board of Governors at the school, Avril Heenan commented,

‘Today is both a celebration and an opportunity to express our gratitude. We acknowledge with sincere appreciation the contribution of all those who helped bring this project to fruition; our Governors past and present, the Department of Education, the Education Authority, the design and construction teams from McAdam Design and Graham Construction, and the wider community whose support and encouragement sustained the project over many years.’

The official opening ceremony concluded with an Ecumenical Service led by the Very Reverend Henry Hull to mark the historic significance of the site and to remember the lives of those whose remains came to light during the construction of the new build. Guests also received a tour of the new campus, showcasing how tradition and modernity have been seamlessly woven together to inspire the next generation of learners.