New School Build

Strangford Integrated College is delighted to announce that the Department of Education has appointed contractors Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd to construct the new state-of-the-art school building. Construction is due to commence in 2024 and complete in 2026.

Felix O’Hare & Co has grown to become one of Ireland’s longest serving and most progressive construction companies. They have successfully delivered many iconic projects over the years. Stephen Morrissey, Contracts Manager said: “Our team is looking forward to the opportunity of creating this exciting educational facility in collaboration with Strangford Integrated College, working with the local community and leaving a lasting legacy for the families of the North Down, Ards and Peninsula area.”

The £29.75 million purpose-built school will have excellent sporting facilities as well as bright modern classrooms and facilities for all subjects including Science, Technology, Art & Design, Drama and Modern Languages, enhancing the integrated education of students for years to come.

Clare Foster, Principal of Strangford Integrated College said, “This is a significant milestone for our school community. The contractors have been on site, and staff and students are excited to see the new building begin.

“Since we opened our doors in 1997, Strangford Integrated College has continued to grow in numbers and reputation, and it is time for this new building on our existing site. This will enable us to provide students with access to high quality integrated education in a modern, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building in which our young people will continue to thrive and flourish.

“Our students deserve the best start in life, and we are looking forward to the opportunities that the enhanced school facilities and top-class sporting facilities will offer to both students and staff.

“A great deal of work has gone into getting to this new build project thus far and I would like to thank the Department of Education, project consultants Aecom and the Board of Governors for their support in making this happen.”

The new school will be built adjacent to the current buildings, so our students will see the construction of their school in real time. Mrs. Foster continues,

“We will be engaging with our students and the local community throughout the project so they can witness first hand the design and build process of the school which will allow opportunities for enrichment and learning. It is an exciting time to be part of Strangford Integrated College!”

New School Build

22nd Apr 2024

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May 2025 Update

22 May 2025

Education Minister cuts first sod for new £38m school in Carrowdore

Education Minister Paul Givan has cut the first sod on a major capital project to provide a new school building for Strangford Integrated College (IC) in Carrowdore.

The sod-cutting formally marks the commencement of construction on the new school accommodation, in an investment of £38 million by the Department of Education.

Speaking at the Strangford IC site, the Minister said: “It is wonderful to be here today to see first hand the progress that has been made on the new school building. The significance of this £38 million investment will be reflected in the many benefits it will deliver for pupils, families and staff and the wider community.

“This major project will provide modern new facilities that will support the teaching and learning needs of the pupils for many years to come and create an environment that helps them to thrive.”

The Minister continued: “It is important to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the school and its stakeholders in helping to bring the project to this stage. Today, they can all be proud of this positive step as they look forward to their new school building becoming a reality. I wish everyone at Strangford Integrated College every success for the future.”

Principal of Strangford Integrated College Mrs Clare Foster: “This is a significant milestone for our school community. The contractors are on site, and staff and students are excited to see the new building progress.

“Since we opened our doors in 1997, Strangford Integrated College has continued to grow in numbers and reputation. This new building on our existing site will enable us to provide students with access to high quality integrated education in a modern, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building in which our young people will continue to thrive and flourish. “Our students deserve the best start in life, and we are looking forward to the opportunities that the enhanced school facilities and top-class sporting facilities will offer to both students and staff. “A great deal of work has gone into getting to the new build project to this stage I would like to thank the Department of Education, project consultants AECOM and the Board of Governors for their support in making this happen.”

The Strangford IC scheme is being funded under the Fresh Start capital programme.