
St Columb's College
Catholic, Founded 1879
Updated July 2026
St Columb's College is the oldest and largest Catholic grammar school in Derry, Northern Ireland, focused on providing high-quality education within a nurturing pastoral environment. It is committed to helping pupils reach their full moral, social, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic potential.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Founded in 1879, the school is a Catholic grammar institution dedicated to the fullest Christian human development of its pupils. It aims to nurture resilient, kind, and service-oriented young men by integrating faith into all aspects of personal and intellectual growth.
Programmes
The school offers a broad curriculum as part of the Foyle Learning Community, featuring 19 subjects at Key Stage 3 and 25 subjects at GCSE level. The 6th Form curriculum is extensive, providing a range of 32 subjects including AS and A Levels, alongside key skills and curriculum enrichment courses.
Outcomes
St Columb's College has a history of academic achievement, notably serving as the alma mater of two Nobel Laureates. The school is recognized as a Specialist School for Mathematics and Computing and has received multiple awards for excellence in I.C.T. and public sector best practice.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a comprehensive pastoral care system that emphasizes the physical and emotional wellbeing of each pupil. This includes a dedicated counselling service and a structured programme of Personal and Social Education delivered across all year groups to support student development.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Admissions information is managed through the school's digital portal, with specific resources provided for Year 8 entry. Prospective families are encouraged to consult the school's prospectus for detailed application guidance.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based schedule that includes designated half-term holidays and staff development days. Specific term dates and event schedules are maintained through the school's internal digital systems.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in the Pennyburn area, the campus spans 40 acres of grounds and features ultra-modern school buildings. Facilities include well-equipped laboratories, workshops, specialist classrooms, a multi-gym, three indoor sports halls, and various outdoor pitches for soccer, gaelic, and rugby, alongside tennis and basketball courts. The school also maintains advanced I.C.T. and multimedia infrastructure, including a dedicated Oratory.
Co-curriculars
The college offers an extensive extra-curricular programme designed to foster personal interests and talents beyond the classroom. Activities include a strong tradition in music and drama, as well as a Games Development Academy and various clubs that utilize both on-site facilities and local venues.


Mrs Caroline McLaughlinPrincipalMrs Caroline McLaughlin serves as the Principal of St Columb's College. She welcomes students and parents to the school, emphasizing a positive, safe, and nurturing environment focused on holistic development and high academic standards.