Sacred Heart Grammar School

Having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, the Sacred Heart Grammar School is one of Northern Ireland's top grammar schools with 875 students and 52 full time teachers. The school is housed on a state-of-the-art complex at Ashgrove, Newry - a 17 acre site on the Northern side of the city and enjoys unrestricted views of the Mourne Mountains to the East.

Brief History

Established in 1930 by the Sisters of St. Clare, Sacred Heart occupied its original site adjacent to the Poor Clare Convent in Castle Street, Newry for 55 years. By the time the move to Ashgrove Avenue was finalised the staff were working between the 6 original classrooms and an additional 32 mobile classrooms.

Mr J. Parkes, the then Permanent Secretary to the Department of Education officially opened the new School premises in December 1985 while Mr J. Smith, Assistant Secretary to the Department, opened the Science and Technology Block in June 1997.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Extracurricular activity is a vital ingredient of the education provision at Sacred Heart, and all students are encouraged to participate in at least one area of activity. The reality is that most students participate in several extra activities and take full advantage of the excellent facilities and, indeed, the enthusiasm and commitment of the teaching and support staff. Girls often discover hidden talents and strengths within themselves and balance their academic pursuits with a wide and varying number of activities. Participation is the name of the game, and the girls of Sacred Heart have much to choose from. Debating, Amnesty International and Drama to Liturgy, Public Speaking and Golf there is something for everyone, and the enthusiasm within these societies goes from strength to strength. Much fun is derived from the inter-house competitions which pepper the academic year and which mirror many of the main extracurricular pursuits on offer. In addition to these, there is also a wide range of educational visits, expeditions and field trips, enabling the young women to further broaden their experiences outside of the classroom. Some of the clubs and societies are:
* Amnesty International Committee
* Athletic Club
* Bank
* Camogie
* Charity Committee
* Council For Education in World Citizenship
* Drama Group
* European Youth Parliament
* Gaelic Football
* Football
* Golf
* Health Awareness Committee
* Liturgy Committee
* Mini Company
* Choir
* Orchestra
* Netball
* Politics Society
* Quiz Team

Musicals and Operas

There has been a strong tradition of musicals within Sacred Heart dating back to 1956. During the Autumn term of every other year, the school corridors resound with the music of the current production with staff and students giving of their time and energy in a variety of roles associated with the years production. The recipe of our success is simple - a strong and committed production team, talented and willing students, supportive staff, parents and principals over the years. Recent productions have included:
* (2008) - My Fair Lady
* (2006) - Oklahoma!
* (2004) - Anything Goes
* (2002) - The Mikado
* (2000) - The King and I
* (1998) - Crazy for You
* (1994) - Guys and Dolls
* (1990) - My Fair Lady
* (1996) - The Pirates of Penzance
* (1992) - Oliver!