Alexander Dickson Primary School, NEWTOWNARDS
Alexander Dickson Primary School is a primary school for pupils in Newtownards.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Alexander Dickson Primary School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Alexander Dickson Primary School is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
89 pupils are enrolled and 29% are entitled to free school meals.
26 pupils (29% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 9 of them with a statement.
Alexander Dickson Primary School in its own words
From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the Governors, staff and pupils, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Alexander Dickson Primary School. Located in the heart of Ballygowan, serving the village and surrounding countryside, we are justly proud of our close-knit community, where every child is known and valued."
Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, hockey, athletics, gymnastics, cross-country, drama, coding, STEM and gardening.
Headteacher's welcome (school website)Clubs (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Alexander Dickson Primary School are Carrickmannon Primary School (1.7 miles), Moneyrea Primary School (2.6 miles), Millennium Integrated Primary School (2.8 miles) and Andrews Memorial Primary School (3.3 miles).
Carrickmannon Primary SchoolMoneyrea Primary SchoolMillennium Integrated Primary SchoolAndrews Memorial Primary School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Alexander Dickson Primary School.
10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Quarry Close, 120 metres away.
Sources: Department of Education (NI) school data; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
Department of Education (NI)Inspection
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Alexander Dickson Primary School in November 2024.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Keep up with Alexander Dickson Primary School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
26
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
29.2%
of pupils enrolled
9
With a statement (stage 3)
17
At stages 1 to 2
From the Department of Education (NI) school census. The department does not publish very small counts, which show here as "Not published".
Questions parents ask about Alexander Dickson Primary School
When was Alexander Dickson Primary School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Alexander Dickson Primary School in November 2024.
How are places allocated at Alexander Dickson Primary School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Alexander Dickson Primary School are allocated on the school's published admissions criteria through the Education Authority's transfer process, and post-primary schools may use an entrance assessment.
How do I apply to Alexander Dickson Primary School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Alexander Dickson Primary School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Alexander Dickson Primary School?
Alexander Dickson Primary School is at COMBER ROAD, BALLYGOWAN, NEWTOWNARDS, DOWN, BT23 5TN.