About Us Testimonials

Testimonial - Fiona Richardson (Parent)

Stratford College has provided my daughters with a unique learning opportunity and helped them develop some of the skills necessary for active, responsible participation in 21st century Ireland. In today’s world to achieve and succeed young people need more than subject knowledge. For example our children now need to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, be capable of creating new ideas and innovating, as well as being caring, confident, articulate individuals who can act responsibly, who respect difference and are able to relate effectively with people from various cultures in their work, social and family lives. The small, intimate and unique learning environment that Stratford offers has meant that my daughters have had opportunities to develop skills and competencies that go beyond textbook learning and test taking.

A strong feature of the educational landscape at Stratford is the fostering of caring and positive teacher-student relationships. Positive teacher-student relationships facilitate student learning and well-being. In Stratford having one class per year group means all teachers know all students in all classes. The structure of the school facilitates the development of supportive, caring and friendly staff-student relations, which are often more difficult to foster in bigger schools. It also means that meeting the needs of individual students – that is their social and emotional needs as well as their academic needs - can be a priority for staff members. For me this caring and supportive school environment is evident from the warm and welcoming atmosphere in the school generally, to the positive teacher-student interaction I’ve witnessed at such events as arts week, science week or award ceremonies, to the way the teachers in Stratford have talked about my daughters’ achievements and potential using more than the language of academic grades and ability levels. Not to mention of course the numerous ’stories’ that have been relayed to me by the girls over the years.

The care and attention to individual student needs was also mentioned in Department of Education and Skills Subject Reports as was the high quality of teaching and learning. For example:

Students’ individual needs inform all aspects of teaching and learning of the subject. There is a strong consciousness of the need to develop differentiated teaching methods, resources and assessment modes to meet the learning needs of a diverse cohort of students and a wide ability spectrum. Students have access to special needs assistants and/or assistive technology if these are appropriate to their needs. (Department of Education and Science Subject Inspection of Classical Studies, May 2008).

“Students are encouraged to partake in a number of co-curricular and extra- curricular activities. These include participation in the BT Young Scientists’ Competition, Science Week activities, trips to W5, a science exhibition centre, in Belfast and science quizzes. Guest speakers from third-level institutions provide insights to science careers for senior students. This is a praiseworthy part of guidance provision in the college and the teachers of Science demonstrate a proven commitment to these important activities”. (Department of Education and Skills Subject Inspection of Science and Physics, Sept 2009).

The unique and enhanced learning environment offered by Stratford College has also provided my daughters with other opportunities and experiences that have enriched their time at school and helped develop the skills and positive attitudes necessary for life beyond school. Life beyond school requires our children to be able to work with, learn from and live alongside individuals from diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect. At Stratford students from different year groups mix together, play sports together, go on trips together, plan school events together - they know and interact with each other on day-to-day activities. Because students across year groups work, play and learn together they experience difference and diversity, naturalistically as they interact with people from diverse backgrounds, (in terms of ethnicity, religion, dis/ability, sexual orientation and cultural background), on a daily basis, learning, to cooperate, respect others and appreciate difference. I believe this also encourages a school climate where everyone can feel a sense of belonging, security and esteem.

My experience of Stratford College has lead me to believe that the school manages to provide both structures for caring as well as structures for serious learning. How do I know this? My eldest daughter is now happily in her 2nd year in the third level course of her choice. She believes that her success was due in no some part to the encouragement, individual support and attention she received during her senior cycle years at Stratford. My next daughter loved the school from her first week there and looked forward to going in each day. I expected such enthusiasm to wean, as she got older and progressed up the school. She is now in 3rd year, says she still loves school and hates missing a day - I think Stratford College must be doing something very right for this to still be the case after nearly 3 years!

Patricia Flannery - Parent

My sons had a great educational and social experience in Stratford College.  They were encouraged to follow and realize their goals.   Not only have they grown intellectually and developed their full potential, but after their years in Stratford they have a genuine and informed interest in their school, community and nation. I have attributed the success of their schooling to a caring environment with an excellent and committed staff.   I would, and have recommended Stratford College to friends and family.    

Enda & Imelda Macmahon - Parents

In choosing a school for our children a number of matters were important to us – ideally we wanted a smaller school, one to which our children could walk, one which catered for both boys and girls and one which took academic fulfillment seriously. We found that all these requirements are addressed at Stratford College.  Our experience as parents has been very positive.  We have also experienced further unanticipated benefits which as our children moved through the school proved to be of equal importance.   These include the fact that there is a very good verticalrelationship between all the years, and indeed, there are very strong relationships with all the teachers.   The school has had a low level of change in its teaching staff and this is important as the children go through the academic cycles.  Also, although the school has a Jewish ethos, it is effectively non-denominational.

Criticisms we had heard regarding small and mixed schools have not proved true, in our experience.  Indeed the size of the school enables staff to concentrate more on individual skills and needs and to cater for them.  The choice of subjects in the Leaving Certificate cycle, which one might fear is not broad enough, is a good as and no more limiting than in larger schools.  Overall we feel that although the school is focused on academic achievement it is not to the detriment of developing young adults with rounded experiences and caring sensibilities.  We have one child having graduated from the school and with another one in the senior cycle.  I can say that both have had and are having very positive and nurturing experiences in the school.  

3rd Year Student (2010)

Stratford College is a unique school where all cultures and beliefs are welcomed and encouraged.   Stratford manages to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while maintaining a constructive and learning environment.   

5th Year Student (2010)

Because of its small size Stratford gives each student room to grow and develop into their own person.   The small class sizes and enthusiastic teachers create a wonderful learning environment and in older years the classes resemble small grinds.   I wouldn’t choose another school above Stratford.  It has given me so much more than classroom academics.  No other school could have given me so much freedom to explore my own individuality or express so freely my own opinions.   In my opinion Stratford is an incredible school and I am truly grateful for it. 

6th Year Student (2010)

Since my late arrival to the school in Transition Year I have promptly fallen in love with Stratford College.   The small size makes for a tight-knit community and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that feels more open and friendly than any education facility I have attended previously.   It has aided my self-confidence, academic skills and level of maturity (well sort of!!).   I love Stratford College no two ways about it.  

6th Year Student (2010)

I simply could not imagine attending a school other than Stratford College.  The allure of Stratford is threefold.  Small numbers contribute to an incredibly warm, friendly and caring atmosphere.   Fantastic teachers mean leaning is always engaging and enjoyable and the students input is always appreciated and represented by an approachable Student Council.    

6th Year Student (2010)

Stratford College is a vibrant and welcoming school which encourages and aids students to reach their academic potential and requirements.  It is a small school with co-operative and helpful staff.