St. Mary’s Grammar School Celebrates Reaccreditation of Take 5 Schools Platinum Award

St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt is proud to have achieved the Take 5 Schools Platinum Award for the second consecutive year.  This reaccreditation recognises the school’s ongoing commitment to promoting emotional health and wellbeing across the school. 

The award was presented at a celebratory event held in the Galgorm Hotel, Ballymena on Thursday 4 June 2026.  Representing the school at the ceremony were Mr G. Quinn (Senior Leader) and Mrs A. Mulholland (Student Health Officer) who accepted the award on behalf of students, staff and the wider school community.

The Take 5 Schools initiative, based on the five steps to wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give - has been a central feature of school life at St. Mary’s since 2019.  The school was among the first in Northern Ireland to be recognised as a Take 5 Champion School, demonstrating early leadership in embedding wellbeing practices in education. 

Since beginning the Take 5 journey, St. Mary’s Grammar School has consistently demonstrated excellence in promoting wellbeing, achieving Level 3 accreditation for three consecutive years (2022, 2023 and 2024).  In June 2025, the school was among the first cohort of schools to be awarded the Platinum Award, the highest level of recognition available within the Take 5 framework. 

This latest reaccreditation reflects the sustained effort, innovation and commitment of both students and staff in maintaining a positive, supportive and inclusive school environment.  From curriculum initiatives and extra-curricular activities to peer support systems and community engagement, wellbeing remains at the heart of school life. 

St. Mary’s Grammar School looks forward to continuing its work as a leader in wellbeing education, building on this success and further strengthening its commitment to nurturing the holistic development of all pupils.

 Photograph Details 

Photo 1: Mr G. Quinn (Senior Leader) and Mrs A. Mulholland (Student Health Officer) receiving the
Take 5 Schools Platinum Award 2026.

Photo 2:  Representatives from St. Mary’s Take 5 Pupil Champions pictured with the Platinum Award.