Welcome & Meet the Principal
Mr P McCullagh BSc Hons, NPQH, MA, NPQH, NPQEL College Principal
Mr McCullagh is a native of County Derry. He holds a BSc (Hons) degree, a PGCE, a M.A and was awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2010 and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) in 2024. Mr McCullagh has been in Secondary School Education since 2001 and has gained significant experience in curriculum development and pastoral care through roles as a Curriculum Leader, Head of Year, Assistant Principal & Director of Sixth Form and Deputy Headteacher. Mr McCullagh was a Headteacher of an All-Boys Catholic Secondary School in London from September 2015 before taking up his role as Principal at St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College in September 2023.
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St. Patrick's & St. Brigid's College – ‘We live, love and learn in the light of Christ’
Founded in 1963, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s College is a leading Catholic maintained co-educational school combining strong academic standards with exceptional personal development. We aim to create a Christian environment that is inspired by the life and teachings of Christ. We provide an education that is focused on the formation of the whole person.
Our motto is Laudate Dominum, 'O praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise him, all ye people' (Psalm 117). Achievements across academic, sporting and personal areas are recognised and celebrated, reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride among pupils and staff members. We meet life’s difficulties together, as a community and a family, using our Christian values of compassion, courage and service to achieve our very best. We believe that we should always show compassion to others, making decisions without self-interest and supporting all those in our community to be happy and successful.
At St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College we recognise not only the importance of helping pupils flourish academically but also socially, emotionally and spiritually so that they are equipped for life to be able to make the strongest possible contribution in their Parish and wider community. We are widely regarded as a family school, with many generations choosing to attend the college, reflecting the confidence and pride the local community places in the school.
The best schools are not made of bricks and mortar, but made of the people who work together, caring, supporting and encouraging each child to fulfil their God-given potential. The quality of the teaching and support staff in our college is outstanding, and I am certain that this positively impacts on the lives of our young people. The college has a long-standing record of academic success at GCSE reflecting both the hard work of its pupils and the dedication and expertise of the team of staff.
In St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College we work in partnership with pupils, parents/guardians, governors and the local community to ensure a positive learning experience for every child. Every child is unique; they are loved and valued. They deserve the best and that is what we aim to give them. They are our greatest ambassadors, and they are supported by a team of staff united in encouraging, guiding, motivating and challenging each one of them to be the best they can be.
Please take the time to visit us, here in Claudy, the Gateway to the Sperrin Mountains, to sample a warm, inclusive, family environment and to get a feel for our welcoming college. We are guided by the proverb that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and we know that together with the teaching team, support staff, parents/guardians and wider community, we can continue to grow as a school that we are truly proud of.
