Galgorm Collection donates £10k to support two Ballymena primary schools

Buick Memorial Primary School, Cullybackey has received a £5,000 donation from Galgorm Collection. Pictured alongside pupils, Evie Speers, Phoebe Cangque, Kyle Chiyangwa, Zara Murray, Finlay Stewart and Jude Ferguson, are Colin Johnston, CEO Galgorm Collection and Principal Rikki Peters. 

Two local primary schools in the Ballymena area are set to benefit from a £10,000 community donation from Galgorm Collection, reinforcing the hospitality group’s ongoing commitment to education and local investment.

Buick Memorial Primary School in Cullybackey and Gracehill Primary School in Gracehill have each received £5,000, raised during Galgorm Collection’s recent Charity Gala Dinner.

The funding will be used to enhance learning resources, upgrade technology and improve playground facilities, delivering tangible benefits for pupils both inside and outside the classroom.

The donation comes at a time when schools across Northern Ireland continue to face increasing financial pressures, making support from local businesses particularly significant.

Supporting learning and development

Commenting on the initiative, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, highlighted the organisation’s wider commitment to education and community engagement.

“We are delighted to support Buick Memorial Primary School and Gracehill Primary School with funding that will help to improve pupils’ learning and social development.

“We are committed to giving back to our local communities through charitable donations, educational partnerships and by also inviting local schools and colleges to visit us to find out more about careers within the hospitality industry.

“In 2025 we had a record number of schools, colleges, and university visits and we’re always keen to encourage local schools to engage with us and explore potential partnership opportunities.”

The Charity Gala Dinner brought together valued suppliers and partners, raising funds for Simon Community Northern Ireland, Community Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, while also supporting Galgorm Collection’s partnerships with the two local primary schools.

A boost for a century-old school community

Buick Memorial Primary School, which has served the Cullybackey community for more than 100 years, said the funding would have a meaningful and immediate impact.

Principal Rikki Peters said:

“With the current restraints on educational budgets, this funding will allow us to invest in providing much needed resources from additions to our play park, to books and updating learning materials.

“Benefitting from the support of Galgorm Collection we have already developed a fantastic outdoor learning playpark focussed on promoting physical development and nurturing an appreciation of nature and the outdoors. Thanks to Galgorm Resort’s continued support, we plan to further expand this area to create an even more engaging environment for our pupils.”

Technology, sport and village life in Gracehill

Gracehill Primary School, Ballymena has received a £5,000 donation from Galgorm Collection. Colin Johnston, CEO at Galgorm Collection is pictured with Wendy Fleck, Senior Management, Caroline Kennedy, Chair of the PTA and pupils, Zach Johnston, Ella Kennedy, Bella Surgenor, Bonnie Surgenor and Harris Kennedy. 

At Gracehill Primary School, the donation will be used to fund technology upgrades and playground improvements aimed at enhancing pupils’ learning and social skills.

Previous support from Galgorm Collection has already helped the school to develop a new state-of-the-art football pitch, due to be completed in May. The new facility will expand the school’s sporting provision, including hockey and rugby.

Caroline Kennedy, Chair of the school’s PTA, said the contribution would make a lasting difference:

“Our school relies heavily on additional funds raised by the PTA and Galgorm Collection’s recent contribution will have such a positive impact on our pupils. We are truly very thankful for their continued support.

“Our pupils are fully immersed in the life of the village and are always keen to learn more about the history of the area. Through our partnership with Galgorm Collection, we recently had a great visit to Galgorm Castle where our P3s had the opportunity to walk around the castle and ask lots of questions as part of their World Around Us learning.”

Gracehill Primary School Principal David Radcliffe added:

“Schools across Northern Ireland are under increasing financial pressure, so support from local businesses like Galgorm Collection, simply cannot be understated.

“Our partnership with Galgorm Collection has been instrumental in enriching our pupils’ educational experience, helping them build confidence, develop social skills, and access a broader range of sporting opportunities. We’re particularly excited about the upcoming opening of our new football pitch, which Galgorm Collection played a major role in supporting.

“This continued investment, from iPad accessories to upgraded playground equipment, will make a significant difference to our pupils’ day-to-day school experience.”

Community investment alongside growth

Galgorm Collection is a major local employer and has significantly expanded its hospitality footprint and workforce over the past decade. As the business continues to grow, it says its focus on community support, education and local partnerships remains central to its values.