Our History
The Education (Northern Ireland) Act of 1947 guaranteed free education for all children up to age 15. The 11+ exam followed, establishing which secondary school pupils would transfer to at age 11. As a result, some children moved on to the long standing Lurgan College grammar school. New County Secondary Intermediate schools would provide intermediate education for all other pupils up to the age of 15.
On 9th January 1959 the newly built Lurgan Boys’ and Girls’ County Secondary Intermediate Schools opened their doors to pupils for the first time. These modern schools had been specifically built directly because of the Education Act 1947 to provide secondary education up to 15 for pupils in the area who did not move to the local grammar school at 11.
Photo: Russell Drive, with the new Secondary Intermediate Schools in the background, around 1969
Pupils would transfer to the ‘The Intermediates’ at age 11 and remain there until aged 15. They would receive an education in classical and commercial subjects, together with social and sporting educational opportunities. Pupils prepared to enter the workforce upon leaving school.
Following their 4 years at The Intermediate, most pupils would move into the world of work aged 15. Many left the school on a Friday afternoon and began their working life on the following Monday morning. Such was the abundance of work at the time in the Lurgan area, children simply followed family members into traditional industries in the town such as linen, textiles, ophthalmic production, and surgical supplies production.
Photo: Pupils of both Lurgan Boys’ and Girls’ County Secondary. Intermediate schools at the grand opening of the schools in 1959
A minority of pupils were fortunate to be able to continue their education beyond 15 and began courses at the local College of Further Education. The focus was upon practical and commercial subjects and led to increased career opportunities. However, most pupils were not able to progress to further education as their families were depending upon them to go out to work at 15 to supplement the family income.
The Grand Opening in 1959
The Grand Opening of Lurgan Boys’ and Girls’ County Secondary Intermediate Schools took place on 7th October 1959. Lord Wakehurst and Lady Wakehurst were the guests of honour at the ceremony. Lord Wakehurst was the Governor of Northern Ireland at the time, representing the Monarchy at all official events.
The new Principals of the Intermediate schools welcomed their guests. Mr Joseph Loney, Principal of Lurgan Boys’ County Secondary Intermediate and Miss Mary Eccles (later Ferris), Principal of Lurgan Girls’ County Secondary Intermediate.
It was a grand occasion with various prestigious guests in attendance. Invitations to the official opening and afternoon tea had been distributed to people right across Northern Ireland.
Lady Wakehurst planting a commemorative tree at the opening of the Intermediate Schools in 1959. This silver spade is on display in our school foyer.
The Dickson Plan
W J (Jack) Dickson was a local man educated at Lurgan College, who trained as a teacher and later taught at Lurgan Model School, before entering administration with the County Education Committee.
In the early to mid 1960s, local government began planning for the new city of Craigavon, in the Lurgan, Portadown and surrounding areas. A plan for a unique system of education was prioritised. The Armagh County Education Committee were responsible for this plan and Jack Dickson was tasked with drawing up a way forward for education in Craigavon. His blueprint became known as ‘The Dickson Plan’.
A 3-stage system was proposed…
1.Primary Schools for pupils aged 4 to 11.
2. Junior High Schools for pupils aged 11 to 14.
3. Senior High Schools for pupils at age 14 to 16/18.
Pupils would no longer sit the 11+ Test but would transfer automatically to the new Junior High Schools. A 14+ Transfer Test at the end of Year 3 would allow pupils to proceed to Grammar Schools or Further Education Colleges.
The Lurgan Dickson Plan System in 1969
In 1969 the Dickson Plan began, in the Lurgan area the two County Secondary schools were renamed. They became Lurgan Girls’ Junior High School & Lurgan Boys’ Junior High School. Girls and boys were still educated separately in these two new schools. Mrs M Ferris and Mr J Loney remained as Principals of these new schools.
One of the major changes for education in Lurgan under the Dickson Plan was that pupils no longer transferred at 11 to Lurgan College grammar school. Instead, all pupils went directly to Junior High schools and then on to Grammar School or Further Education College at 14.
Lurgan Junior High School
In September 1992 Lurgan Girls’ and Lurgan Boys’ Junior High Schools amalgamated and became one school called Lurgan Junior High School.
The first Principal of this new school was Mrs M Ferris, who had been the Girls’ School Principal since 1959. She was to oversee the integration of both staff and pupils from the two schools into one new and dynamic co-educational school. Pupils would transfer at 14 to Lurgan College or Craigavon Senior High School, for GCSE courses.
For the first time in the Lurgan area girls and boys would be educated together continually from Nursery to Year 12. Additionally, many of our Lurgan Junior High pupils would continue their education beyond Yr12 into years 13 & 14 at Lurgan College or at one of the local Regional Colleges.
Principals of Lurgan Junior High School from 1992 – present.
Mrs M E Ferris
Mr J Johnston
Mrs L C Currie
Mr J McCoy
Present Day
Lurgan Junior High School continues in the traditions begun in 1959 and has become a thriving centre for education and achievement for all pupils. The expert leadership, teaching and pastoral provision at the school ensure that pupils experience a holistic and progressive educational journey at Key Stage 3 and into Key Stage 4.
In the most recent successful ETI Inspection Report (2024) it is recognised that Lurgan Junior High is a school having a “vision for its pupils is to empower them to reach their potential and to feel respected, cared for and equal.” (ETI Post-Primary Inspection – June 2024 - View Here
Lurgan Junior High School Badge, Ethos and Mascot
We wear our Lurgan JHS Badge & Motto with pride, they remind us of the rich history of our town, community and our school. The badge celebrates Lurgan Junior High School’s links with the town of Lurgan and the historical traditions and industries of the area.
Each part of our badge has special significance and represents links to the wider community in both Lurgan and across Northern Ireland.
In the heart of Lurgan, where our school proudly stands, there’s a name that carries global recognition — Master McGrath, one of the most famous greyhounds in racing history, and a symbol of determination, resilience, and success against the odds.
Master McGrath wasn’t expected to achieve greatness. Born small and weak, many believed he wouldn’t even survive let alone thrive. He was named after a young boy (Master McGrath) who was upset that the dog was going to be drowned and who convinced its trainer, a friend of Lord Lurgan, to save the pup.
Despite his traumatic start to life, Master McGrath grew into a dog of remarkable speed, strength, and spirit. Against all expectations, he went on to win three Waterloo Cups, becoming an international sporting legend in the 1800s. His fame even reached as far as Queen Victoria’s court, yet his roots remained firmly here in Lurgan.
IIt’s a story of overcoming obstacles, defying expectations, and striving for excellence — values that are at the very heart of our school community.
In January 2025, we proudly launched ‘McGrath’, as our official school mascot, inspired by Master McGrath’s incredible life. We did this not just to honour the history and heritage of Lurgan, but to inspire every single one of our pupils to embrace the same qualities that defined Master McGrath’s journey.
At our school, we are build upon the foundation of the 3 Rs — Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience — and McGrath’s life mirrors these values:
Respect – Just as Master McGrath earned respect from all who saw his determination, we expect our pupils to show respect for themselves, towards others and for their learning.
Responsibility – McGrath didn’t become a champion by chance. Success came through hard work, care, and seizing every opportunity — just as we expect our pupils to take responsibility for their studies, their behaviour, and their contribution to our school’s extra-curricular opportunities.
Resilience – Perhaps most importantly, Master McGrath is a living symbol of resilience. Despite his tough beginnings, he never gave up. That same spirit is what we expect from our pupils when faced with challenges — inside the classroom, outside the classroom and beyond.
Our new mascot comes with a powerful motto: “Swift to Learn; Ready to Lead.”
It reminds us that being part of this school means more than just turning up — it’s about being ready to learn quickly, to adapt, to improve, and to grow. It also means preparing ourselves to lead — whether through setting an example, helping others, representing the school, or striving for personal excellence.
Just like our greyhound, we want every pupil, no matter their background, their starting point, or their challenges to adopt this approach in every area of school life.