Finn Valley College
School Details
Location
About
Finn Valley College is a dynamic, inclusive DEIS secondary school situated in the heart of Donegal. It aims to empower every learner through a quality, learner‑centred education that blends strong community values with a supportive environment where students can thrive. The college offers a broad curriculum that spans Junior Cycle, Transition Year, Senior Cycle and a range of Post‑Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and inclusion. A dedicated wellbeing team provides weekly wellbeing messages and a Positive Behaviour Initiative to promote a positive school culture. The school operates from a state‑of‑the‑art campus opened in 2011, providing modern classrooms, specialist science and technology facilities, and spaces for extracurricular activities. Resources are designed to support both academic and personal development, with robust home‑school liaison services, leadership opportunities for students and a focus on holistic development that prepares pupils for further education and life beyond school.
History
Stranorlar Vocational School opened its doors in September 1940 (the building was erected in 1939) on the site of Drumboe Castle, using rubble from the demolished castle for the first floor of the main block. The inaugural enrolment comprised roughly 24 boys and 30 girls under Principal Louis Emerson. Over the decades, successive principals—including Eddie Mc Devitt, Brian Mc Dermott and Frank Dooley—oversaw steady growth, with numbers peaking at over 350. A new, modern school building was completed and opened in September 2011. Leadership continued under Alan Thompson until December 2023, after which Séan Mc Fadden assumed the principalship.