Castlederg High School
A High Performing, Non-Selective, Post Primary School

Principal's Welcome

I am delighted to welcome you to Castlederg High School – a school that ensures high academic success, a wide and vibrant extra-curricular provision and a happy school experience. We are aware of the extreme challenges of the past few years on pupils and families, and as a school, we continue to seek to do everything we can to ensure that all our pupils receive a rich and fulfilling experience, helping them to navigate the complex path the pandemic has created. We are confident that we provide an environment where our pupils are encouraged to be resilient and adaptable to change, as our current pupils have already shown, through their outstanding performance in 2022.
As we have become renowned for excellent performance in all examinations at GCSE and A level and have gained a reputation for superb standards of teaching and learning, Castlederg High School has become the choice for pupils who want a full academic education in a warm and caring environment, where every young person is valued and supported in their learning. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of every pupil and challenging them to be the best they can be. Year on year, more pupils are transferring to us with high AQE scores, or none – Castlederg High School was their first choice.
I can assure you that the high standards the school has reached in recent years means your child can be in no better place to grow and develop. Castlederg High School remains one of the top controlled non grammar schools in Northern Ireland. We continue to sustain a level of high level of achievement. This year, 93% of our pupils achieved 5 or more GCSE grades and 89% achieved 5 or more including Maths and English. Therefore, you can be assured that you have chosen the best in educational quality. Our A Level performance is an equally impressive at 86% 3 A* - C, so you can be guaranteed we can take your child from year 8 to University or Higher Level education. We offer a wide range GCSE and A Level subjects, including subjects that are often only provided in grammar schools e.g. Further Maths.
The staff in Castlederg High School are highly driven and completely focused on providing the best possible learning experience and environment for your child. Our professional teaching staff always go the extra mile to provide exciting and interesting learning experiences and they are ably supported by an equally dedicated non-teaching staff. Good relationships are at the heart of our school and all pupils and as a staff we are committed to building pupil self-confidence and encouraging them to aim for their highest possible achievement. We are focused on our pupils’ future from the instance they arrive in school, with a huge emphasis on career planning from year 8 on. We believe that every child can have the career they want with good curricular choice and strong careers information. We recognise that young people must feel secure and safe to flourish and we provide an excellent pastoral provision that ensures our pupils are motivated and happy and always have someone to support them. All our pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and our nurturing family environment encourages the best possible achievement from every pupil. Our pupils are proud to be pupils of Castlederg High School and wear their uniform with pride, knowing they are both challenged and cared for each and every day.
You may be particularly concerned about the transition process for your child in these challenging times, but I can assure you that we will take every step possible to ensure that your child’s move to us is happy and smooth. We are very aware that every pupil must feel supported and cared for during transition from primary school. This year in response to the extra challenges P7 pupils had to endure, we provided a transition summer school and two induction mornings, so that all pupils felt confident and comfortable when the first day of school arrived. You can be reassured that we focus on the individual and unique needs of every pupil from the very start of their time with us through to the day they leave to follow their future career.
Our website gives you an insight into the rich and diverse educational experience of all our pupils. and gives you a flavour of the quality educational experiences. As a school we pride ourselves in being welcoming and responsive so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to talk to us to get more information or answer a query. I hope you enjoy looking through our website and that it gives you a flavour of the high quality educational experience all our pupils receive.
Best wishes
Mrs Susan J Wilson
Principal