Welcome to Downshire Primary School and Nursery Unit

Thank you for visiting the Downshire Primary School website. I am delighted to welcome you to our school community.

Our school opened on 1st September 2005, replacing the former Hillsborough and Newport Primary Schools, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Situated on the edge of the picturesque and historic village of Hillsborough, we are fortunate to enjoy easy access to the forest and castle, which enrich the learning experiences we provide for our children.

Downshire Primary School sits within the growing Hillsborough area, which has seen a significant increase in population in recent years. We have greatly benefited from and warmly welcomed families from across Northern Ireland, the wider United Kingdom and Ireland, and from many parts of the world. This diversity enriches our school community and reflects the inclusive ethos we are proud to uphold.

Downshire Primary is a place where children are encouraged to be curious, confident, and kind. As Principal, and as someone who has been part of this school community for many years, I am deeply proud of the caring and supportive atmosphere we provide, and of the strong sense of belonging felt by our pupils and families. Within its Christian ethos, Downshire Primary School warmly welcomes children of all faiths and none. We are proud of our robust pastoral provision and of the way it promotes care, inclusion, and respect for all.

Our dedicated staff work to provide high‑quality learning experiences within a safe, nurturing environment. We aim to help every child develop not only strong academic skills, but also resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning that will serve them well beyond their years at primary school.

We value the close partnership we share with parents and carers and believe that working together is key to supporting children’s success. By fostering positive relationships and maintaining clear communication, we ensure that every child feels supported both at school and at home.

I hope our website gives you a sense of what makes Downshire Primary School such a special place. We are very proud of our school and warmly invite you to become part of our community. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Mrs Lisa Scott
Principal