Whitehead Primary School, CARRICKFERGUS
Whitehead Primary School is a primary school for pupils in Carrickfergus.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Whitehead Primary School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Whitehead Primary School is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
368 pupils are enrolled, 17% are entitled to free school meals, 8% are Catholic and 48% Protestant and 2% are newcomer pupils.
36 pupils (10% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 11 of them with a statement.
Whitehead Primary School in its own words
In its own words: "Whitehead Primary School is a controlled co-educational school situated on the Islandmagee Road almost within a stone's throw of the sea. It has a nursery unit attached to it and enrols children from 2-4 years of age in the nursery and from 4-11 years of age in the primary."
Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, drama, choir, coding and Lego.
Vision and values (school website)Clubs (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Whitehead Primary School are Ballycarry Primary School (2.3 miles), Islandmagee Primary School (2.4 miles), Eden Primary School (3.3 miles) and Acorn Integrated Primary School (4 miles).
Ballycarry Primary SchoolIslandmagee Primary SchoolEden Primary SchoolAcorn Integrated Primary School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Whitehead Primary School.
2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Connors Shop, 220 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 Whitehead Primary School in August 2026.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Latest from Whitehead Primary School
Year 1 - 4 Dinner Menu 2026/27
2 Sep 2026
Year 5 - 7 Dinner Menu 2026/27
2 Sep 2026
Parents Questionnaire letter - Whitehead Primary School DE Ref 301-0874 .pdf
13 May 2026
Year 1 Trip to W5.pdf
6 May 2026
ESM Pre-Consultation Parents Carers -12.03.26.pdf
13 Mar 2026
2027 Parent Holiday Calendar.pdf
25 Feb 2026
From Whitehead Primary School's website. School Signal is not affiliated with the school.
Keep up with Whitehead Primary School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
36
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
9.8%
of pupils enrolled
11
With a statement (stage 3)
25
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 Whitehead Primary School
When was Whitehead Primary School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Whitehead Primary School in August 2026.
How are places allocated at Whitehead Primary School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Whitehead 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 Whitehead Primary School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Whitehead Primary School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Whitehead Primary School?
Whitehead Primary School is at 3 ISLANDMAGEE ROAD, WHITEHEAD, CARRICKFERGUS, ANTRIM, BT38 9NE.