St Columba's College, NEWTOWNARDS
St Columba's College is a grammar school for pupils in Newtownards.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
St Columba's College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
St Columba's College is a catholic maintained school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
170 pupils are enrolled, 36% are entitled to free school meals and 80% are Catholic and 5% Protestant.
70 pupils (41% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 33 of them with a statement.
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of St Columba's College.
6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Columbas Portaferry, 120 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to St Columba's College are Portaferry Integrated Primary School (under 0.1 miles), St Mary's Primary School (0.6 miles) and St Joseph's Primary School (1.3 miles). As a grammar school, St Columba's College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Portaferry Integrated Primary SchoolSt Mary's Primary SchoolSt Joseph's Primary School
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 St Columba's College in January 2025.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Exam results, 2024/25
GCSEs, Year 12 (27 pupils)
66.7%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
100%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
Equivalent qualifications count towards these figures.
The Department of Education says these figures are not a fair way to compare one school with another: they take no account of the pupils each school takes in, or of anything else that affects results. Read them alongside everything else you know about the school.
Social & online
Keep up with St Columba's College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
70
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
41.2%
of pupils enrolled
33
With a statement (stage 3)
37
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".
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
St Columba's College
Questions parents ask about St Columba's College
When was St Columba's College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on St Columba's College in January 2025.
What are exam results like at St Columba's College?
In 2024/25, of the 27 Year 12 pupils at St Columba's College, 66.7% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 100% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). The Department of Education says these figures are not a fair way to compare one school with another: they take no account of the pupils each school takes in, or of anything else that affects results. Read them alongside everything else you know about the school.
How are places allocated at St Columba's College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at St Columba's College 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 St Columba's College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming St Columba's College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is St Columba's College?
St Columba's College is at 2 BALLYPHILIP ROAD, PORTAFERRY, NEWTOWNARDS, DOWN, BT22 1RB.