As Principal of St. Mary’s, it is my privilege to welcome you to our school community. We are proud to be a small, family-oriented Catholic school where every child is nurtured in a safe, supportive environment. Our strong connections with the parish of Dungiven, Gortnaghey Community Centre, and St. Colm’s Drum GAC enrich our sense of belonging and community spirit.

Founded in 1891 and now based in a bright, well-equipped building in the heart of Gortnaghey village, our school offers a rich education that extends far beyond the classroom. Despite our size, we are fortunate to have excellent facilities, including an ICT suite, tablets for each class, a library, sensory room, 3G pitch, and outdoor classroom. 

We are proud of our Green Flag Eco Schools status, pupil leadership opportunities, and thriving Parents and Friends Association, whose dedication brings so much to school life. Sporting, musical, and cultural experiences further enrich our pupils’ education, from Gaelic coaching and PE facilitated by a specialist teacher, to swimming and residential trips.

As a small, rural school, we are proud to be over-subscribed—clear evidence of the joy, care, and quality of education that shine through our school. We believe happy children learn best, and happy staff teach best; the vibrant energy within our school is proof of this.

I hope this website gives you a sense of what makes St. Mary’s so special, and I warmly invite you to visit and experience it for yourself.

Warm regards,
Mary Jackson