Portadown College is more than a school; it is a college community, where individuals are valued and celebrated, and interdependence recognised. This distinctive ethos unites everyone in collegial pride and the pursuit of excellence. Students are cared for as individuals and are expected to work hard and achieve high standards in everything they do in preparation for their role as responsible, independent, confident and thoughtful adults.
Portadown College, affectionately referred to as ‘PC’, is a very special place at the heart of its community.
Since 1924, we have been renowned for our academic excellence, caring ethos and supportive learning environment.
We welcome young people from all backgrounds to become part of our unique ‘PC’ family.
Gillian R Gibb
Principal
OUR ETHOS
Founded in 1924, Portadown College is a selective, academic, post-14 school which takes pride in its excellent reputation, friendly atmosphere, sense of community and the very good relations enjoyed between our staff, students and parents.
Students know they are cared for and are expected to work hard and achieve high standards in everything they do in preparation for their role as responsible, independent, confident and thoughtful adults and citizens.
Whilst providing students with the courses they need to gain qualifications for higher or further education and the world of work, we aim to do so in a unique environment specialising in this stage of education.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT PORTADOWN COLLEGE
Portadown College continues to demonstrate a high level of capacity for sustained improvement in the interests of all learners.
You have a lot to celebrate. Your people are the foundation of the school’s success and paint a clear picture of a friendly, hard-working community, within an ethos that contributes significantly to the high standards achieved.
School inspired and shaped all our aspirations, teaching us to create a life filled with endless opportunities and experiences. It was as much the time outside the classroom as in that inspired my musical career with teachers and friends leaving me with a wealth of unforgettable memories.
Renowned pianist, conductor, accompanist, and teacher. Artistic Director of Northern Ireland’s oldest chamber choir, Renaissance, and Director of Music of St Polycarp’s Church.
Portadown College is a unique learning environment, owing to the perfect balance of educational support and extra-curricular provision. The relationships and mutual respect between staff and students make it a one-of-a-kind place to study. I’m thankful for the influence PC had on shaping me.
Final Year Medicine and President GP-Society, Queen's University Belfast
PC is a special place …. when I walked out of the school doors for that last time after finishing my last A Level I knew I had left a special place, a school that had offered me an environment to learn and excel in and made me the person I am today. I have so many happy memories from PC that I will cherish forever, from new friends, hockey and gold Duke of Edinburgh, to cycle trips, sports days and orchestra. But most of all I will always be indebted to my brilliant teachers who taught me so much and prepared me for my next step!
Partner in McKees Solicitors, a commercial law firm in Belfast (graduated from QUB with LLB Hons in 1995, MPhil in 1996 and CPLS in 1998 and admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 1998)
I was at the College from 1990-1994. They were the best days of my life. I was a College Prefect and I loved being involved in many of the College activities- from the Lifeline charity, Conservation Society and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. I went on to Queens University to study History and then did a PGCE at St Martin’s College, Lancaster.
Teacher in Millington Primary School, Portadown
PC provides a comfortable and pleasant educational environment.
PC is a welcoming environment with helpful staff and friendly students.
Staff and pupils at PC were very friendly and welcoming.
The range of clubs/societies PC offers make it easy to talk to new people and make new friends.
I feel I have settled in well to PC because of the teachers being so helpful in class.