Positive Inspection Report Celebrates the Strengths of Downpatrick Primary School
Downpatrick Primary School Principal Niall Stevenson is delighted at the recent report conducted by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Downpatrick PS has been praised by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) following a recent inspection in December 2025, which highlights a welcoming ethos, strong leadership and sector‑leading practice in digital learning.
The inspection summary report, published in December 2025, describes the children as “happy, welcoming and empathetic”, noting that this is reflected in their “positive engagement with everyone in the school community”.
Inspectors found that the school’s longstanding vision is “effective in guiding improvement and is evident in practice throughout the school”, with staff fully committed to ensuring it shapes daily life in the classrooms and beyond.
School leadership and governance were also commended. Inspectors reported that governors are “deeply committed to the school and very well‑informed about the school’s improvement priorities”, and that their active presence at events reflects pride in the school’s inclusive ethos.
The school development plan was described as “strategic and inclusive”, informed by careful analysis of assessment information and consultation with children, parents and governors.
Teaching and learning across the school were judged positively, with an “effective whole‑school approach to planning and assessment for learning” leading to engaging lessons and good progress for pupils.
Of particular note was the school’s use of technology, described as “sector‑leading”, giving children extensive opportunities to develop digital skills that prepare them well “for life and learning beyond school”.
The report also highlights the school’s strong focus on pastoral care, stating that staff promote children’s health and wellbeing “very effectively within a secure and nurturing environment”. Inclusion, equity and diversity were said to “transcend all aspects of school life”, with every child recognised and valued.
Overall, the inspection paints a picture of a vibrant learning community, rooted in care, inclusion, and high‑quality practice, from which “others may learn”.
School Principal, Mr Niall Stevenson, was delighted with the Inspection Report. He said: :It is a testament to the high-quality teaching and learning that goes on at Downpatrick Primary School.
“The inspection team were in school over the busy November/December period and they were very impressed with the highly effective educational experience provided by the school.
“I should like to pay tribute to our teachers, classroom assistants, support staff, governors as well as our children and parents for making Downpatrick Primary School the brilliant school it is.”
Mr Stevenson added: “I am delighted that the inspectors identified two areas aspects of highly effective practice from which other schools may learn. The aspects were our strategically planned approach to integration and inclusion; and the ‘sector-leading’ planning and provision for the development of the children’s digital skills.’
Mrs Jo Edgar, Chairperson of Governors praised the report and the school. She said: “The inspectors were very thorough and took a very detailed look at all aspects of school life, teaching and governance.
“I am delighted at the recognition of the great work and the wonderful children and staff that make up our school.
“I was also very pleased to read that the hard work of the governors was recognised by the inspectors. The commitment from our staff in school to integrate and include the widest range of children and abilities is a great credit to everyone at Downpatrick Primary School.
“This brilliantly positive report gives the main Primary School, its Learning Support Centre and its Special Provision classes a solid foundation for educating the children of Downpatrick into the future.” added Jo Edgar.
