History and Ethos

Our Story

The seeds of Strangford Integrated College were sown in February 1996, when parents attending a public meeting called by All Children Together (ACT) formed a Steering Committee which dedicated itself to opening a post primary integrated school in the North Down and Ards area.

With the active support and backing of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, the Integrated Fund and All Children Together, the College first opened its doors on 1st September 1997, with 64 students, 6 full-time members of staff and a school secretary.

After 3 years of campaigning, lobbying and fundraising, the Department of Education awarded us grant maintained status in September, 1999. This recognition was a significant milestone in the College’s development.

Integrated education at Strangford Integrated College, offers the opportunity for young people from differing religious and cultural backgrounds to be educated together, in an atmosphere of respect, tolerance, trust and understanding. The deliberate mix of young people and teachers from different backgrounds is unique to integrated schools. At Strangford College, we believe that young people should grow up not only knowing about each other but also have the opportunity to build friendships which will last. We are convinced that difference is not something to be afraid of but rather that it enriches and adds value to a young person’s own religious, or cultural identity.

At Strangford, integrated education is carried out in a school, which is committed to high academic standards for its students. We believe that all students have the opportunity to succeed, if given the opportunity to do so. At the College, we seek to ensure that each child fulfils his/her academic potential. We focus on the specific needs of each child, believing strongly in the self-esteem of the individual and that healthy self-respect encourages respect for others.

The College continues to grow and thrive, and has been consistently oversubscribed.

Our College motto is very significant and appropriate: In Hoc Signo Vinces – Under the sign we are strong!

The College Mission Statement

Our Values

The College Crest

The College Crest is worn proudly on our blazers.

The long ship on the crest symbolises the Viking origins of the name Strangford. Scrabo Tower stands like a beacon across North Down and Ards, from which the majority of our students are drawn. The Lamp of Learning emphasises the importance of academic achievement within the College, and our aim that every student is encouraged to achieve and excel.

The Crest displays the College Motto: In Hoc Signo Vinces (Under the Sign we are Strong). This reflects the integrated nature of the College and the unity of purpose shared by parents, students, staff and governors.