September 22, 2026
St Colman’s College, Newry is fast becoming recognised as a leader in artificial intelligence in education after becoming the first school on the island of Ireland, and one of only 20 schools worldwide, to achieve the Gold AI Quality Mark.
The prestigious accreditation, awarded by the Good Future Foundation, recognises schools that demonstrate excellence in the ethical, strategic and impactful use of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning and leadership. For St. Colman’s College, it represents the latest milestone in a sustained programme of work designed to prepare both students and staff for an AI-enabled future.
The recognition follows a series of accolades celebrating the College’s pioneering work in artificial intelligence. In June, St. Colman’s College received the Most Ethical Use of AI in Education Award at the Ulster University AI in Education Awards, while Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, was named Rising Star in AI in Education. The College’s leadership in the field has also been recognised previously through the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards, where it received the 2025 post-primary award for its innovative work in artificial intelligence.
Principal Cormac McKinney welcomed the growing recognition.
“At St. Colman’s College, our priority has always been to ensure that AI enhances learning, develops critical thinking and prepares our young people for the world beyond school. Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for education when it is introduced thoughtfully and responsibly.
“Achieving the Gold AI Quality Mark is a tremendous endorsement of our approach and reflects the commitment of our staff, students and the wider school community. We are very grateful to everyone who supports us in our journey.”
Rather than viewing AI as a standalone topic, St. Colman’s College has embedded AI literacy throughout all stages of the curriculum. Students learn how artificial intelligence works, how to write effective prompts, critically evaluate AI-generated responses, recognise bias and use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly. The curriculum is continually refined through regular dialogue with students, ensuring it evolves alongside one of the fastest-moving areas of technology.
The College has also been at the forefront of developing recognised qualifications in this area. Last year, thirty students successfully completed the pilot Pearson Generative AI Foundations certification, becoming among the first young people to gain formal accreditation in generative artificial intelligence. The qualification will now become a permanent part of the curriculum, with plans to extend learning opportunities to parents and carers.
Supporting students has gone hand in hand with investing in staff. Teachers have participated in a sustained programme of professional learning, ensuring they have the confidence and expertise to use artificial intelligence in ways that genuinely enhance teaching and learning while reducing workload. Next on the agenda for St. Colman’s College, will be a focus on upskilling technical and administrative staff, with the goal of realising some of the workload efficiencies that AI promises.
The College’s expertise is increasingly being recognised beyond its own classrooms. Mr Fegan was invited to present at the National Conference on Generative AI in Education for the second consecutive year and, alongside Vice Principal Helen Doherty, contributed to the ‘AI in Education Teacher Professional Learning Thursdays’ webinar series, sharing practical approaches with teachers from across Northern Ireland. Science teacher Rosemary Matthews was also invited to present to members of the Chartered College of Teaching, while the College’s work has been featured in the Impact Journal, one of education’s leading research publications.
Mr Fegan said the College’s approach had always been guided by educational purpose.
“We are focused on helping young people understand how to use it responsibly, critically and creatively.
“Recognition through the ICT Excellence Awards, the Ulster University AI in Education Awards and now the AI Quality Mark gives us confidence that our approach is making a meaningful difference for our students.
“We want every young person leaving St. Colman’s College to have the confidence to question AI, understand its limitations, recognise its ethical implications and use it to enhance, rather than replace, their own thinking. That same philosophy underpins the professional learning we provide for our staff and the work we continue to share across the wider education community.”
Vice Principal Helen Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, added:
“Artificial intelligence will influence every profession our students enter. Schools therefore have a responsibility to ensure young people are equipped not only with technical knowledge, but also with the critical thinking, creativity and ethical understanding needed to use these technologies responsibly.
“We are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised in this way. However, our focus remains firmly on ensuring every student benefits from the opportunities artificial intelligence can provide, while developing the judgement and confidence to use it wisely.”
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education and the workplace, St. Colman’s College remains committed to ensuring its students, staff and wider community have the knowledge, confidence and critical understanding to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Image 1 – Associate Senior Teacher Michael Fegan and Vice Principal Helen Doherty along with other award winners
Our office is open 08.30 - 16.30 Monday – Friday
(times may vary outside of term time).