HISTORY
LIKE THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED, BIG THINGS HAVE SMALL BEGININGS. Such was the case with Lagan College. Set against the troubles in the 1970s, a group of Catholic and Protestant parents came together as part of the All Children Together Movement to seek a new way of educating their children together.
In September 1981 Northern Ireland’s first integrated, all ability, post primary school was opened. Lagan College opened its doors in the now legendary scout hall at Ardnavally in South Belfast. There were 28 students, 14 Catholic and 14 Protestant, a Principal, Sheila Greenfield, one full time and five part-time teachers.
Grant Maintained status was granted to the College in 1984. As the school intake grew, accommodation was sought in the Castlereagh hillside before a permanent home for the College was eventually found at Lisnabreeny, this time thanks to the hospitality of the National Trust. In 2003 Lagan College sought to be considered for a new build programme under the Department of Education’s Private Finance initiative. After many years in the planning, Education Minister Catriona Ruane confirmed, that permission had been granted on 14th April 2011 to complete the permanent buildings on the Lisnabreeny site. On 17th June 2013 phase one commencement was completed providing the College with state of the art facilities fit for the 21st Century, with phase 2 completed in September 2014 with the opening of the new grass pitch. In 2016 we launched our Heritage Trail, in 2018 we extended our Sixth Form provision to 300 places and in 2023 we are opening our new Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Centre at the heart of our school. The students’ learning potential has been enhanced by signature spaces that boast of a new library, with panoramic views of the countryside, an Internet cafe, 11 e-learning suites, a new Music building, 2 Dance/ Drama studios, a well resourced Sixth Form study space and modern well equipped general classrooms. The build programme has also enabled the College to fully refurbish the existing Technology and Breeny main buildings. The school is now a complete circle - inclusive of all and providing a warm, safe and pleasant learning environment for staff and students. At the heart of the school is the social heart, inclusive of the stunning library and Chaplaincy led by our joint Chaplains representing the two major faith traditions. The vision of the founding parents and students has finally been realised with a permanent Lagan College for many generations to come. Today Lagan College is a beacon of hope to others, showcasing that the integration of young people does work and all children can play, learn and grow together. We look forward to marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement together in April.
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