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Two students from Southern Regional College’s Newry campus will compete at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Wales later this month. Katie Mooney from Gilford will take part in Beauty Therapy, while Ruby Elliott from Belfast will compete as a Laboratory Technician.
Ruby is in the second year of her foundation degree in Applied Science (Analytical), which she is completing through a Higher Level Apprenticeship with Almac. She works within Almac’s Analytical Development Team, where she supports the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and balances full-time employment, her studies and competition preparation.
SRC specialist lecturer in chemistry Dr Deirdre Murray is guiding Ruby through weekly training sessions covering biochemistry, UV-visible spectroscopy, titration analysis and organic synthesis. As well as her practical skills, Ruby will be assessed on health and safety, her ability to analyse results and the conclusions she draws from the data.
Helen Goodrich, Associate Director, Analytical Development at Almac Group, said competition experience can help in the workplace. “Participation in WorldSkills UK helps our apprentices develop their ability to meet deadlines, prioritise and manage multiple tasks in parallel, all essential aspects of the working day.”
“Performing under the pressure of competition also builds resilience and helps them develop strategies for responding when things don’t go as planned at work.”
Dr Murray also had advice for Ruby ahead of the finals. “My advice to Ruby is to embrace every opportunity, enjoy the experience and take time to get to know her fellow competitors. Alongside the chance to showcase her skills and give her best, she could come away with friendships that last a lifetime.”
Katie is in her first year at the College. After completing her A-levels, she had planned to take a gap year before potentially studying midwifery. Her parents, recognising her long-standing interest in beauty, encouraged her to enrol on SRC’s Beauty Therapy Traineeship.
With encouragement from lecturer Nicole Malone, Katie entered the WorldSkills UK competition series and progressed through the preliminary rounds. She finished first at the Northern Ireland regional heat to secure her place in the national finals and has since progressed to the Beauty Therapy Techniques Level 3 Diploma.
Nicole has been supporting Katie through intensive weekly training sessions ahead of the two days of competition. The expected tasks include waxing, manicure and make-up application, with the precise make-up brief revealed on the day.
Nicole said success depends on more than technical ability. “Alongside her treatment skills, Katie will be assessed on her presentation, communication and professionalism, as well as how she maintains health and safety throughout the competition.”
“My role is to mentor her, prepare her for unexpected challenges and push her beyond her comfort zone to reach the next level. She is managing really well and I’m looking forward to seeing her put her skills into practice at the national finals.”
The competitions will take place at venues in South Wales on 18 and 19 November, followed by a medal ceremony on Friday 20 November.
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Students at Southern Regional College’s Newry and Armagh campuses have begun the second year of the Future Founders programme, which encourages young people to turn their ideas into business start-ups. Sports and Business students on both campuses are taking part, along with Science and Hairdressing students in Armagh. The programme follows a pilot last year in which 2,500 young people in Northern Ireland took part.
The students have taken their first steps towards becoming the norths next entrepreneurs. So far they have been introduced to entrepreneurship as part of a three-part workshop delivered by Young Enterprise NI.
Sam Walker, from Young Enterprise, explained that this first stage is about encouraging young people to think ahead about starting their own business, the skills that are needed to do that and how they would go about achieving that in today’s world.
In mid-November the students will take part in an innovation camp, where they will be challenged to think creatively and come up with ideas. The release notes that the simplest idea can often generate the most success.
The final stage will take place in January 2027, when students will meet local entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. This will involve hearing about their innovative ideas, how they created their businesses, hints and tips on how to succeed and, more importantly, what pitfalls to avoid.
Organisers also point out that while students are being challenged to innovate now, the eureka moment may not have happened yet for everyone, and there is always the potential for it to come at another life stage.
Lynne Ervine, Technology Enhanced Learning and Project Based Learning Manager at SRC, said: “The Future Founders programme gives students the opportunity to think differently about opportunities, innovation and their own potential. For some, it may spark the ambition to start a business; for others, it may inspire new ways of thinking that they take into their future careers.
The programme demonstrates that entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking are not confined to specific subject areas or career pathways. The skills students develop, including creativity, problem-solving, resilience and initiative, are valuable across all sectors and professions.
As part of the wider Entrepreneurship Hub across the norths Further Education colleges, Future Founders helps learners connect with entrepreneurs, learn from real-world experiences and see how ideas can be developed into successful ventures. We are excited to see the impact the programme continues to have on our students and the opportunities it creates for their futures.”
The Future Founders programme is facilitated by Go Succeed. Funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s eleven councils, Go Succeed supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with advice and support at every stage of their growth journey.
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Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened the new school building at New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland. The £27.5 million project was funded primarily through the Fresh Start Programme, supported by the UK Government. Principal Hilary Harbinson described the day as a momentous one in the history of the school.
Mrs Harbinson said: “This is a momentous day in the history of New-Bridge Integrated College. We are delighted with our new facilities which are the result of many years of planning, dedication and support from our staff, pupils, parents, governors and wider community. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality and look forward to the opportunities these facilities will create for current and future generations of pupils.”
Minister Givan said the opening of the new building is an exciting milestone for the school. “The opening of New-Bridge Integrated College’s new school building is an exciting milestone. These new, high-quality facilities now provide an excellent learning environment for pupils alongside their teachers and the wider school community who help bring the school to life and make it a place where young people can thrive.
“I commend the staff, pupils, parents and governors for their patience, resilience and commitment throughout the development of this project, from its initial design through to completion.
“I have no doubt that the school will achieve continued success, whilst nurturing a passion for learning in an environment designed to support young people to achieve their full potential. I wish the entire school community every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
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Gerard Byrne was appointed as the SRC's new Director of Finance and Planning at the start of the new term in September. He has taken up the post at a time of significant budgetary pressure for Northern Ireland's Further Education sector.
His immediate priorities include finalising the College's 2026/27 budget allocation once the Executive has agreed the overall Northern Ireland budget. He will also be gaining an in-depth understanding of the College's operations, priorities and financial position.
Byrne has held a number of roles in financial management, internal and external audit, risk management, governance, performance management, health and safety, and compliance. He originally studied for a degree in Property Investment and Development before moving into audit and finance after graduating.
The Further Education sector faces external budgetary pressures and the potential for financial shortfalls, but Byrne remains optimistic about the outlook for education and the role colleges play in supporting their local communities and the wider economy. He is keen to work collaboratively with colleagues in the College and the wider sector so that SRC is well positioned to meet the challenges ahead while continuing to deliver high-quality education and training for students and the local community.
The post covers more than finance and governance. It also includes responsibility for the College's IT infrastructure, course scheduling systems, compliance and examination processes. The Director of Finance and Planning also oversees the Business and Economic Engagement function, which works closely with local businesses and communities. This allows SRC to make a significant contribution to the economic development and regeneration of the local and wider region.
Byrne sees the role as making sure the College is financially sustainable, well governed and well planned, while providing the support needed to deliver the best possible outcomes for students, staff and the wider community.
Reflecting on his own career, he also offered advice to new students starting out and to those considering returning to education to upskill or reskill.
"My advice to young people, and to anyone considering upskilling or reskilling, is to remember that there is no single path to a successful career. You don't have to have everything figured out from the beginning, and it's perfectly normal for your ambitions and priorities to change as you gain experience and your circumstances evolve.
"The most important thing is to be open to opportunities, invest in yourself and approach whatever you choose to do with commitment. You don't have to have your whole career mapped out, but whatever path you take, give it your best, keep learning and take pride in doing things to the best of your ability."
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Camlough's Caolan McCartan has secured a Medallion of Excellence in the Industry 4.0 category at the WorldSkills Shanghai competition, competing for Team UK. He was one of five Southern Regional College (SRC) students who all received medals at the event.
Caolan (25) competed alongside fellow SRC student Patrick Sheerin (25) from Portadown. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and uses smart technology and data to automate and improve manufacturing processes. Both men hold foundation degrees in Mechatronics from the College, and Patrick went on to obtain an Engineering BEng (Hons) degree there too.
The pair won gold at the national WorldSkills UK competition in 2024 and bronze at the EuroSkills competition in Herning, Denmark, last year. That success did not guarantee them a place in the team for Shanghai. They returned to training with fellow Squad UK members and were announced as Team UK's representatives in May. Patrick said it was 'utter relief' when they found out they had been selected once more.
Elsewhere in the results, SRC student Ruth Douglas (22) from Banbridge won gold in Chemical Laboratory Technician, while Oisin McKerr (22) from Lurgan took bronze in Car Painting. Johnny Gough (22) from Waringstown also received a Medallion of Excellence in Electrical Installation.
The 48th edition of WorldSkills, widely known as the 'Skills Olympics', took place in Shanghai over four days from 22 to 26 September. The results were announced at the closing ceremony, which was livestreamed on Sunday 27 September 2026. WorldSkills is the world's largest vocational education and skills competition and challenges participants to demonstrate technical ability, precision and professionalism.
The competitors' journey began with selection for Squad UK, where they undertook further specialist training and development. Earlier this year they were selected to represent Team UK in their respective skill categories. Most categories require competitors to be aged 22 or under, although certain categories, including Industry 4.0, allow entrants up to the age of 25.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "This is a phenomenal result for Team UK and our SRC competitors. They have given it their all and left everything out there in the competition arena. Their success is a tremendous reflection of their talent, determination and commitment to excellence. We could not be prouder of what they have achieved on the world stage."
She added: "At Southern Regional College, we are committed to developing the skills, talent and confidence of our students and ensuring they have the opportunities to achieve their full potential. WorldSkills provides an exceptional platform to showcase the value and importance of technical and vocational skills and the achievements of Ruth, Oisin, Johnny, Patrick and Caolan demonstrate just what can be achieved through dedication, expert training and a commitment to excellence."
The 49th WorldSkills competition is set to take place from 15 to 20 November 2028 in Aichi, Japan.
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Two former Head Pupils of Newry High School have joined the growing call for investment in upgraded outdoor sporting facilities at their former school. Joanne Patterson and Councillor David Taylor, who served as Head Girl and Head Boy, say they want current and future generations of pupils to have access to the sporting opportunities they themselves benefited from.
Their support comes amid continuing concern over the lack of suitable outdoor sporting provision at Newry High School. In a recent letter to the Department of Education, the school's Board of Governors highlighted that pupils remain without access to a suitable grass or synthetic pitch and rely instead on two gravel pitches dating from the 1960s, describing the situation as a longstanding inequality requiring urgent action.
Colin Whiteside, Chair of the Board of Governors, said the need for appropriate facilities had existed for far too long. "For over a decade, Newry High School has worked to secure adequate playing facilities. The fact that our pupils continue to rely on two gravel pitches dating from the 1960s is simply not acceptable for the delivery of a modern Physical Education curriculum," he said. Whiteside added that the school had secured planning permission, completed a business case and developed a community plan, yet the project had repeatedly stalled, and he called for a renewed and urgent commitment to delivering appropriate outdoor sporting facilities for pupils and the wider community.
David Taylor said Newry High School had played an important part in his own development, during which he embraced sporting opportunities including hockey and football that helped build confidence, teamwork and discipline. "I want the young people attending the school today, and those who will attend in the future, to have the same opportunities," he said, adding that the school was also a vital resource for local sporting organisations that rely on access to its facilities.
Joanne Patterson, who is also Chairperson of the local Carnbane Girls Youth League Sub-Committee, said her support reflected her experience as a parent as well as a former pupil. "Through my involvement with the Carnbane Girls Youth League, I have also seen first-hand the enormous demand for suitable and accessible sporting facilities, particularly for girls and young women," she said, adding that investment in improved outdoor facilities would be transformational and would strengthen the school's role as a community hub.
The Irish Football Association has also backed the case for enhanced football facilities at the school, citing its role in delivering Shooting Stars sessions, McDonald's Fun Football programmes, Carnbane Girls Youth League fixtures and Irish FA coach education activity. Lauren Moore, Women's Football Development Manager at the Irish Football Association, said the organisation fully supported the case for facility development at Newry High School. "The school has demonstrated a strong commitment to football development, community engagement, inclusion and widening participation," she said, adding that enhanced facilities would unlock significant opportunities for participation growth, particularly within the female game.
For Patterson and Taylor, the issue is a personal one, with both saying the next generation of pupils should have access to facilities that reflect the needs of a modern school and can serve the wider local community for years to come.
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St Colman's College, Newry has become the first school on the island of Ireland, and one of only 20 worldwide, to achieve the Gold AI Quality Mark. The accreditation from the Good Future Foundation recognises schools that demonstrate excellence in the ethical, strategic and impactful use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning and leadership.
The award marks the latest in a series of accolades for the College's work in artificial intelligence. In June, St Colman's received the Most Ethical Use of AI in Education Award at the Ulster University AI in Education Awards, while Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, was named Rising Star in AI in Education. The College's work in the field was also recognised previously at the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards, where it received the 2025 post-primary award for its innovative use of artificial intelligence.
Rather than treating AI as a standalone subject, the College has embedded AI literacy throughout all stages of its curriculum. Students learn how artificial intelligence works, how to write effective prompts, how to critically evaluate AI-generated responses, how to recognise bias and how to use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly. The curriculum is refined regularly through dialogue with students to ensure it keeps pace with one of the fastest moving areas of technology.
The College has also developed recognised qualifications in the area. Last year, thirty students completed the pilot Pearson Generative AI Foundations certification, becoming among the first young people to gain formal accreditation in generative artificial intelligence. The qualification will now become a permanent part of the curriculum, with plans to extend learning opportunities to parents and carers. Staff have also taken part in a sustained programme of professional learning to build their confidence and expertise in using artificial intelligence to enhance teaching while reducing workload, and the College's next focus will be upskilling technical and administrative staff to realise further efficiencies.
The College's expertise has increasingly been recognised beyond its own classrooms. Fegan was invited to present at the National Conference on Generative AI in Education for the second consecutive year and, alongside Vice Principal Helen Doherty, contributed to the 'AI in Education Teacher Professional Learning Thursdays' webinar series, sharing practical approaches with teachers from the north. Science teacher Rosemary Matthews was also invited to present to members of the Chartered College of Teaching, and the College's work has featured in the Impact Journal, a prominent education research publication.
Principal Cormac McKinney welcomed the recognition, saying artificial intelligence presented enormous opportunities for education when introduced thoughtfully and responsibly. "Achieving the Gold AI Quality Mark is a tremendous endorsement of our approach and reflects the commitment of our staff, students and the wider school community. We are very grateful to everyone who supports us in our journey," he said.
Fegan said the College's approach had always been guided by educational purpose. "We want every young person leaving St. Colman's College to have the confidence to question AI, understand its limitations, recognise its ethical implications and use it to enhance, rather than replace, their own thinking. That same philosophy underpins the professional learning we provide for our staff and the work we continue to share with the wider education community," he said.
Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, said artificial intelligence would influence every profession the College's students go on to enter. "We are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised in this way. However, our focus remains firmly on ensuring every student benefits from the opportunities artificial intelligence can provide, while developing the judgement and confidence to use it wisely," she said.
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A Hilltown student and a Southern Regional College (SRC) lecturer have both been recognised at the recent Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism. Danielle Grant, who is studying for a Hospitality Management degree at SRC, and part-time lecturer Jamie Maxwell were named finalists in their respective categories, with Grant in the running for the Student Management Potential Award and Maxwell shortlisted for Lecturer of the Year.
This year marks the 29th year of the awards, which recognise the achievements of individuals working in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. The ceremony was held at the Culloden Estate & Spa Hotel, Belfast, on Friday 11 September 2026.
Danielle Grant from Hilltown, has been working in the hospitality industry for the past thirteen years and secured the first ever Generation Chef final title in 2025 alongside fellow SRC students. She began her career at the Avoca Hotel in Newcastle and has since progressed through the ranks, now working as Operations Supervisor at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Her current role involves co-ordinating a diverse range of large-scale events, from weddings, international conferences and corporate functions to major occasions such as the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Good Friday Agreement. She is also involved in the delivery of QUB's graduation celebrations, catering for up to 3,000 guests over three days.
Speaking on her finalist position, Grant said: "I am absolutely delighted, very proud and genuinely honoured to be a finalist for the Institute of Hospitality Student Management Potential Award and it is a privilege to represent SRC at this level. To be named as a finalist for the award is a fantastic achievement and I genuinely believe that everyone who has reached this stage is a winner. For me, the nomination is also recognition of the hard work, support and encouragement I have received from my lecturers, employer, colleagues, family and everyone who has helped me throughout my hospitality journey."
Jamie Maxwell, who balances working with travel agent KT Travel in Dundalk alongside course co-ordinating duties for the Travel and Tourism level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of 3 A-levels, echoed Grant's sentiment. He has extensive experience of the travel industry, having worked as a holiday representative abroad and as a Grounds Operation Manager for EasyJet's operations at Gatwick airport, before becoming Service Delivery Manager at Dublin airport, where he represented twenty-three airlines. Despite this experience, Maxwell was keen to return to SRC, where it all started, to inspire future generations.
Speaking on his nomination and subsequent finalist position for Lecturer of the Year, Maxwell said: "I'm immensely proud to have been recognised as a finalist. To receive that recognition for my work as a part-time lecturer is an achievement in itself and incredibly rewarding. It's a real affirmation that the work I'm doing is making a positive impact and it means a great deal to have received that recognition."
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Pupils at Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results this year. The school has praised the achievements of the entire year group, with particular pride in the significant number of pupils who secured a full profile of A* and A grades.
While those top performers have been singled out for praise, the school was keen to stress that every pupil's success is valued, noting that each young man's journey is different and that the cohort includes many individual achievements, including pupils who made significant progress and can be particularly proud of their results.
Principal Mrs Gina Savage said: "What makes today special is the range of individual successes across the year group. Every pupil has their own story, and we are delighted that our young men have achieved the qualifications, confidence and opportunities to take their next step."
Mrs Savage also paid tribute to the staff, Learning Support Team, Pastoral Team and parents who supported pupils throughout their GCSE journey. She said: "These results reflect a strong partnership between our pupils, their families and our staff. I want to thank our teachers, Learning Support and Pastoral Teams for the care, encouragement and commitment they give to our young people every day."
The school has wished all of its Year 12 pupils every success as they continue their studies and pursue the pathways they have chosen, adding that staff look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the years ahead. Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School congratulated all their pupils, their families and their teachers, saying it was proud of what they had achieved and looked forward to celebrating their continued success in the years ahead.
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