Major STEM Investment as St Louis Grammar School opens new state-of-the-art Science rooms

Mrs O'Neill (Principal) and Declan Wright (Board of Governors) cut the ribbon to officially open the new Science Rooms along with Darragh Brennan (Head Boy) and Dearbhla O'Neill (Head Girl)

St Louis Grammar School has officially opened two new purpose-built Science rooms, marking a significant investment in STEM education and the future opportunities of its pupils.

The state-of-the-art facilities provide modern laboratories and flexible teaching spaces designed to support high-quality learning across the sciences. Equipped with up-to-date resources, the new rooms will enable pupils to develop practical skills, scientific curiosity and problem-solving abilities essential for further study and future careers.

The enhanced facilities will support a wide range of scientific disciplines, allowing pupils to engage more fully in experiments, collaborative learning and innovative teaching approaches.

School leaders believe the new Science rooms will inspire a lifelong interest in STEM subjects while further strengthening academic outcomes.

Eoin McMullan and Dominic Kearns with Dearbhla O'Neill (Head Girl) and Darragh Brannan (Head Boy).

Speaking at the opening, Mrs O’Neill, Principal of St Louis Grammar School, said:

“Today marks more than the opening of our two new Science rooms; it marks a commitment to continuous development and excellence at St Louis.

“Investment in state-of-the-art science rooms at St Louis Grammar School represents far more than an upgrade to facilities; it is a whole-school catalyst for excellence, strengthening academic outcomes, enriching the wider curriculum, and creating powerful opportunities for partnership with alumni, universities and businesses.

“It is particularly fitting that the new Science Rooms are a result of the connections that took place during our Centenary Year. As we celebrated our first 100 years we also looked forward to the future.

Dr McCann (Teacher), Marcus Cooper (Director of Engagement and Development), Mrs O'Neill (Principal), Mr McCorley (Teacher).

“These new facilities symbolise our belief that great education must keep moving forward—investing in people, spaces, and opportunity. Over the last decade in particular St Louis has been on a mission of continually improving facilities for our students and teachers.

“The refurbishment of Kintullagh House, the new Centre of Excellence for the Creative Arts and our new 3G pitches all demonstrate St Louis commitment to remain a leader in education.

“The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of donors from the wider school community.

“St Louis Grammar School would like to extend its sincere thanks to the businesses, parents, alumni and other supporters whose financial contributions helped fund the development of the new rooms. Their commitment demonstrates the strong partnership between the school and its community in supporting excellence in education”.

Supporters of the project, Eoin McMullan (Hill Vellacott), Connor Dunlop (Bathshack), James McKeague (Creagh), Dominic Kearns (Fibrus).

The project also attracted strong backing from former pupils and local businesses. Dominic Kearns, CEO of Fibrus and a past pupil of St Louis, highlighted the long-term impact of such investment.

He said:

“As a former pupil of St Louis Grammar School, I was delighted to support the development of these new Science rooms. The education I received here gave me the foundations for my career, particularly in problem-solving and critical thinking.

“These new STEM facilities will provide today’s pupils with the tools, inspiration and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly science- and technology-driven world. It is a privilege to give something back to a school that played such an important role in my own journey.”

Parents and prospective pupils will have the opportunity to view the new Science rooms during the school’s Open Evenings on 21st and 22nd January, where staff and students will be available to showcase how the facilities are already enhancing teaching and learning across the sciences.

Guests who attended the special opening at St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena

The opening represents an important milestone for St Louis Grammar School as it continues to invest in high-quality facilities that benefit current and future generations of pupils.

The school has extended its thanks to all supporters and sponsors of the project, including The Wolfson Foundation, The JAQ Group, the Macklin Group, Tughans, Larsen Building Products, Hill Vellacott, Fibrus, Bathshack, Creagh, The Friends of St Louis, as well as parents and past pupils.