I am delighted to welcome you to Our Lady's Grammar School. Our Lady's was founded in 1887 by the Sisters of Mercy and, during this time, we have built up strong links with the communities and primary schools of the city of Newry and the counties of Armagh and Down. In our current school population, we have pupils from over fifty local primary schools.

Over the years, Our Lady's students have achieved top grades at GCSE and A level and we have built up a deserved record for academic excellence; we are recognised as one of the top grammar schools in the North of Ireland. Our teachers are dedicated professionals, experts in their subject areas, committed to ensuring that each girl gives of her best, in a warm, supportive environment.

Although, we are rightly proud of our excellent academic record, we know that education is about so much more than that and believe that the most important thing is the happiness of our pupils. We have an excellent pastoral system with experienced teams of Year Heads, Form Teachers and Counsellors, led by the Vice-Principal, available to offer support when needed.

Our links with local businesses ensure that we are up to date with innovations and the skills required by employers and we continually review and adapt our curriculum to take account of these.

We in Our Lady's are committed to the holistic development of our girls and encourage pupils to participate in extra- curricular activities, including sport and music.

We educate our girls to be responsible citizens and ensure pupils have opportunities to become involved with voluntary work and to fundraise for local and global charities.

We strive to fulfil the mission of our Mercy foundress, Mother Catherine McAuley, to fit young women for Earth, without unfitting them for heaven .

Mrs Fiona McAlinden B.Sc. (Hons), PGCE, M.Ed., PQH (NI).
Principal