THOUSANDS of children have passed through the doors of Kilmaine Primary School since it opened in Bangor 50 years ago – and many are now sending their own children to the school.
The popular primary school is celebrating its golden anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year with a series of special events reflecting on its rich history and looking ahead to the future.
Kilmaine opened in September 1975 with 109 pupils and five members of teaching staff. Located on Bangor’s east side, the school grew rapidly alongside the surrounding housing developments, reaching more than 700 pupils in the 1980s and over 1,000 during the 1990s.
The school’s founding principal, Raymond Boyd, led Kilmaine until 2001 and remains a familiar face in Bangor. Known for his ability to remember former pupils and their families, he continues to enjoy close links with the school and recently attended a 50th anniversary exhibition and read at a special carol service.
Kilmaine Nursery Unit opened in October 2000, providing pre-school education for 52 part-time pupils and becoming a valued part of the school community.
The late John Mann, who succeeded Mr Boyd as principal, oversaw one of the most significant developments in the school’s history – the move into a purpose-built new school building in 2005. Prior to that, Kilmaine had expanded to the point where it relied on 46 temporary mobile classrooms.
The new facilities marked a major milestone for pupils and staff, providing modern classrooms and resources to support learning.
Since then, the school has continued to build a reputation for academic achievement, sporting success and a strong programme of music, drama and pastoral care.
Former principal William Campbell served from 2014 to 2019, with current principal Rachael Sinnamon, herself a former Kilmaine pupil, now leading the school.
The school’s motto, ‘Everyone Counts’, remains at the heart of its ethos.
Among those attending the recent anniversary exhibition was North Down MLA Alan Chambers, whose children attended the school.
“All parents will feel privileged that their children were educated in a primary school where every principal, vice-principal, teachers and support staff cared deeply for the welfare and education of their young charges.
“They all deserve the grateful thanks of parents who, over the last 50 years, decided to send their children to Kilmaine Primary School. Under the current leadership of Principal Mrs Rachael Sinnamon and her team of teachers and support staff I have every confidence that this school will continue to prosper and provide a sound primary education for their pupils,” he said.
