£10million new school build finally underway after decade-long wait in Glenravel

Education Minister Paul Givan is pictured with Principal Malachy Conlon, Vice Principal Lauren McLoughlin and the youngest pupils at St Mary’s Queen of Peace Primary School

Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited new building for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel, marking a major milestone for a community that has spent more than a decade waiting for the project to become reality.

The £10million investment will deliver a modern nine-classroom school designed to reunite pupils and staff currently operating across a split site, while creating a permanent educational hub for future generations in rural County Antrim.

Education Minister Paul Givan visited the site to cut the first sod and formally celebrate the beginning of construction work on the new school development, which began in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by July 2027.

The project has been closely watched across the Glenravel area, with plans for a new school first emerging around a decade ago. For many local families, the start of construction represents the end of years of uncertainty and delays surrounding the future of the school.

A major investment for Glenravel’s future

Welcoming the start of works at an event held on the new site, Minister Paul Givan said:

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School and the wider community of Glenravel.

“Providing inspiring environments for teaching and learning is a key factor in supporting our children to thrive. This investment will deliver lasting benefits for years to come, ensuring Mary Queen of Peace can deliver high quality education for generations to come.

“Schools are so much more than just the building that houses them, they are the people who teach, lead and work within them and the parents and wider communities that support them, often going above and beyond.

“I commend the school and all those involved for their hard work in reaching this milestone and I wish them every success as the vision for the new school becomes a reality.”

The new school will provide nine classrooms and modern facilities aimed at supporting up to 250 pupils. It will also permanently bring together the school community following years of operating across separate locations.

The development has been viewed locally as more than simply a school construction project, with many residents seeing it as a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of the wider Glenravel community.

Years of planning finally turning into reality

The start of construction follows years of planning, design work and funding discussions surrounding the future of the school.

Mary Queen of Peace Primary School was previously identified as one of several projects moving into the construction procurement phase following additional capital funding announced by the Department of Education in 2024.

The project is intended to modernise educational provision in the area while creating a purpose-built learning environment better suited to the needs of pupils, teachers and families.

Principal Malachy Conlon described the sod-cutting ceremony as a landmark day in the school’s history.

He said:

“Today is a momentous occasion in the history at Mary Queen of Peace Primary School. Our new school is the result of years of hard work, planning and teamwork. I pay tribute to everyone involved. Our new school is an investment in the future of our pupils and the whole school community.”

Modern facilities planned for new school site

Previous design details released for the project outlined plans for a modern educational campus designed specifically around the needs of the local rural community.

The new building is expected to include:

• Nine classrooms

• Modern learning and resource spaces

• Dedicated play areas

• Staff facilities and multi-purpose rooms

• Parking and drop-off facilities

• Improved pedestrian access linking the school with the surrounding community

The school design also aims to reflect the rural character of Glenravel, with architectural features intended to blend into the surrounding landscape while creating a contemporary educational environment.

A significant moment for local families

For parents, pupils and staff, the beginning of construction marks a visible turning point after years of anticipation.

The new building is expected to transform day-to-day school life once completed, replacing outdated arrangements with a single modern campus capable of serving generations of local children.

With construction now underway and completion targeted for summer 2027, the project is entering its most significant phase yet — bringing a long-promised vision for education in Glenravel firmly into view.