Education Youth and Adult Training

The educational needs of the 36,000 strong population of the Magherafelt District are very well served, ranging from pre-school playgroups right through to third level and adult education. The strong focus on educational provision reflects the fact that it is a 'young' district, with significantly more people under 25 than average within Northern Ireland.

Magherafelt itself, with nine schools, is known as an educational town. It has five primary schools, including Kilronan, Spires Integrated and the state-of-the-art special needs school, two high schools -Magherafelt High School and St. Pius X - and two grammar schools - St. Mary's and Rainey Endowed.

Around 20 pre-school play groups throughout the area cater for the needs of 3 and 4 years olds and there are some 36 primary schools, ranging in size from small rural schools to town centre schools. In addition to those in Magherafelt town there are four other secondary level establishments - St. Patrick's College and Maghera High School in Maghera. St. Mary's High School in Clady and St. Coin's High School in Draperstown.

The major schools consistently score very highly in the Northern Ireland Schools performance league tables. The North East Institute of Further and Higher Education, which has a campus in Magherafelt. in addition to Ballymena and Antrim, offers a comprehensive curriculum of vocational and academic education and training, giving students vital skills for entry to employment and allowing access to higher education.

The Institute also offers a wide ranging programme of adult education from social skills to NVOs and 'A' levels. A great many vocational courses, from engineering to nannying are covered, as are crafts, hobbies, and local interests.

With NVQ accreditation attached to virtually all vocational courses offered, the Institute provides the opportunity for learning and advancement to everyone in the district.

The North East School of Sport, a co-operative venture between the various councils. Northern Eastern Education and Library Board, the Sports Council and the governing bodies of sport, also has a campus in Magherafelt.

Situated adjacent to Greenvale Leisure Centre, the College offers young people the chance, not only to excel in their chosen sport, but also to gain accreditation as a competitor and as a coach.

For those who wish to pursue higher education, Northern Ireland is well serviced with two universities. The Queen's University of Belfast has an established academic record, as has the University of Ulster, with campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine, Portrush and Magee. Third level education is also available within the Magherafelt District, at the Rural College in Derrynoid, just outside Draperstown.

The Rural College, in conjunction with Queen's University, Belfast, offers a Graduate Diploma in Rural Development with the option to submit an MSc thesis. The College also offers a Diploma in Community Development Practice in association with University College, Galway and a Diploma in Local History in association with St. Patrick's College in Maynooth.

It boasts full conference facilities, with accommodation, restaurant, lecture theatres and syndicate rooms, multi-media technology and video conferencing, office bureau and catering.