NI school to celebrate its 40th anniversary with appearance on BBC’s The One Show

Northern Ireland’s first planned integrated school, Lagan College, Belfast, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, will be featured on tomorrow night’s episode of the BBC’s The One Show.
By Helen McGurk
Published 15th Mar 2021, 16:52 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2021, 17:51 BST
Actor Ian McElhinney with pupils from Lagan College, BelfastActor Ian McElhinney with pupils from Lagan College, Belfast
Actor Ian McElhinney with pupils from Lagan College, Belfast

Local actor and director Ian McElhinney, known for his role as Granda Joe in the hit television show Derry Girls, visited Lagan to present the piece on the school.

The segment features past pupils, including Green Party MLA Clare Bailey, and children who are currently studying at the all-ability school.

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Principal Amanda McNamee said: “We have about 50 key workers’ children here at the moment, so it was nice for them to have a well-known actor coming to the school.

“It was also lovely for current students to be able to talk about their experiences now at the school, but the show also reflects back on the families and children who started up the school in 1981.

“The programme makers spoke to one of the founding teachers, Dr Brian Lambkin, who became one of the principals.”

Mrs McNamee, who has been principal of Lagan College for 11 years, was awarded an MBE for her services to education in the New Year’s honours list.

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She added: “We are celebrating our 40th anniversary on September 1. The school can be quite inventive and creative, so we are hoping to, in a very safe, social distancing way, mark this very special occasion, not just for Lagan, but for the integrated education movement as a whole.

“We do have some events organised from September 1 running right the way through next year’s academic calendar, but obviously it will have to be safe and appropriate to do so within the confines of the Covid regulations.

“The school is situated in an area of natural beauty, so as part of our celebrations we are hoping to do some tree planting with the National Trust, to give something back to the community.

“Lagan College started with just 28 pupils; there are now 1,425 students. The school has really flourished and grown throughout its 40 years journey.”

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Named after the River Lagan, it is now one of the most over-subscribed schools in Northern Ireland.

Mrs McNamee said: “We have been very privileged to be in that position.

“That tells its own story in that there would be higher demand from families who would be keen to pursue an integrated school experience for their children.”

*The One Show is on BBC One, 7pm.

Related topics:BBCBelfastClare Bailey