St Columba's School, Kilmacolm
St Columba's School is a 3–18 mixed independent day school in Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is split across two sites and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
St Columba's School | |
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Address | |
Duchal Road and Knockbuckle Road , , PA13 4AU Scotland | |
Coordinates | 55°53′34″N 4°38′08″W |
Information | |
Type | Independent day school |
Motto | Orare, Laborare, Literisque, Studere |
Established | 1897 |
Rector | Victoria Reilly[1] |
Gender | Co-Educational |
Age range | 3–18 |
Houses |
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Colour(s) | Green and blue |
Publication | The Columban |
Affiliation | Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference |
Website | www |
The school provides both primary and secondary education between its Junior and Senior Schools.
In 2016, the School built a new building called the Girdwood Building which is home to Transitus, English, Guidance and Modern and Ancient Languages
History
St Columba's was founded in 1897 at Duchal Road where it is still located. The preparatory school at St Columba's was formerly located at Shieldhall on Bridge of Weir Road. Boarders were once accepted and accommodated in Shallott, the current junior school building. The junior school was then located at Shieldhall on the Bridge of Weir Road. During the Second World War, Shieldhall was used as dormitories for evacuees from other schools, particularly those also owned by the Girls' Schools Company. The Knockbuckle Road site, which now houses the Junior School, was once occupied by boarders. When boarding ceased in 1970 it was developed and has been the site of the Junior School ever since.[2][3]
St Columba's first admitted boys in 1978 and, with that year's progression and graduation, became fully co-educational in 1982.
Sites
The senior school is on Duchal Road to the north of Kilmacolm's village centre. The junior school and new sports facilities, including rugby pitches are located on Birkmyre Park, with the hockey ground being a 3G artificial pitch.[4]
Notable staff
- Norah Neilson Gray taught art here, where she was nicknamed "Purple Patch".[5]
Notable alumni
- Eleanor Laing, MP
- Helen M. Laird, leader within the Girl Guide movement
- Myrtle Simpson, skier
- Mairi Hedderwick, illustrator and author
- Winifred Drinkwater, aviator and aeroplane engineer
- Ruth M. Arthur, author
References
- "Rector's Welcome". St Columba's School. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
- Lawrence, Julia. "LIVING IN KILMACOLM 1932-1955" (PDF). Kilmacolm Civic Trust.
- 110 Years of St Columba's School
- "Inverclyde Leisure - facilities".
- Norah Neilson Gray, Helensburgh Heroes, accessed July 2010
External links
- Official website
- Profile on the Independent Schools Council website
- HMIE Inspection Reports