The Easter Revision School 2026 at St Mary’s University College, welcomed 161 pupils from 10 schools in West Belfast for a week of focused GCSE revision in Mathematics and English, delivered through both English and Irish.

This annual initiative, organised by the West Belfast Partnership Board, once again made a real difference for local students preparing for their forthcoming examinations. It combined expert teaching with a supportive, community-based learning environment — something St Mary’s was proud to host.

A huge thank you went to everyone who made the week such a success. Our dedicated student teachers supported GCSE Mathematics and English classes throughout the week, offering invaluable help and encouragement. Rebekah, a St Mary’s graduate now at the beginning of her teaching career, returned to assist this year as a fully qualified teacher. Maud, one of our current student teachers, took part alongside her sister Molly, who was participating in the programme. Our support staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, while the Department of Education and the Full Service Community Network as well as the many local schools continued to provide essential backing that made this important initiative possible.

Reflecting on the programme’s success, Angela Mervyn, Education Programmes Manager at the West Belfast Partnership Board and a member of the College governing body, said:

“Once again, we have had a really successful Easter School, where 161 West Belfast students have had 20 hours additional support for GCSE Maths and English, through the medium of both English and Irish. Our students gave up their Easter holidays to participate and we are very proud of them. They showcase the best of West Belfast and are a credit to their families, schools and our community in West Belfast.”

Highlighting the importance of the initiative St Mary’s College Principal Prof. Peter Finn KSG said,

“The Easter School makes an important contribution to our distinctive mission at St Mary’s to support young people to achieve their full potential and to aspire to higher education. Thank you to staff and students who gave up their time over the Easter break to help deliver this important programme.”

The Easter School was a fantastic week of learning and collaboration — showcasing partnership, dedication, and the shared commitment to educational success in West Belfast.