The school was founded in 1927 by Monsignor John Ward, Parish Priest of Magherafelt, to provide secondary education for Catholic girls of the area under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux.
Investors in People
St Mary's was first awarded Investor in People status in 1999 in recognition of the excellence of its Staff Development and Training Programme. Re-accreditation was successfully completed in 2001 and again in 2004. The most recent re-assessment took place in June 2007 and the assessor confirmed:
"The school has a long-standing commitment to Investors in People and was first recognised in 1999. This site visit confirmed that the School continues to place the development of all staff at the heart of the School Development Planning process. There was evidence from all levels and job roles that staff are offered continued opportunities and encouragement for professional and personal development. Learning and Development strategies are used effectively to extend people's roles and responsibilities and as a tool to retain and motivate staff".
