At the end of the 2025-26 school year, we celebrate the career of our Principal, Mrs Nicola Madden, as she retires from her post. Mrs Madden has given 10 years of exceptional service, unwavering dedication and transformative leadership which has ensured that every student of Limavady Grammar School has felt supported, seen, and empowered to succeed.
Since taking up her post as Principal in 2016, Mrs. Madden has been a steady and inspiring presence. However, her journey began in the classrooms of Dunluce School in September 1994. Here she first shared her passion for Geography, History, and Social Studies before being appointed as Head of the Geography Department in 1995. She continued her career with a move to Dalriada School in September 1998. During this time, she was given responsibility for various roles. In 2001 she was appointed Teacher in Charge of European Studies, before several promotions to Teacher in Charge of Key Skills, Head of Junior School, Head of Sixth Form, Teacher in Charge of Counselling and Senior Teacher, respectively. Most notably, her appointment to the role of Senior Deputy Head (in Charge of Pastoral Care) at Dalriada in 2008 underscored her deep commitment to student welfare – a quality that has remained the hallmark of her principalship at Limavady Grammar School.
At Limavady Grammar School Mrs Madden has consistently put the needs of students and staff first. Her leadership has been characterised by a clear vision to foster an environment where academic excellence and holistic child development go hand in hand. Her tenure has been defined by a relentless pursuit of high-quality learning and teaching, wraparound pastoral care and extensive opportunities for pupils to develop beyond the classroom.
Through strategic school development planning and the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, she has inspired others to reach their full potential and achieve academic excellence. This has been evidenced in school examination results that have been consistently above Northern Ireland averages. At the heart of Mrs Madden’s ethos is an unwavering commitment to pastoral care. She has fostered a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every student is valued and supported through the pivotal years of post-primary education. Believing that a vibrant school culture requires a balance of academic and personal growth, Mrs Madden has championed a robust extracurricular programme. Whether on the sports field, through school drama productions and music events, through science and business programmes, or in support of the arts, students have been consistently encouraged to discover their passions and develop their skills.
Mrs Madden’s impact has also been evident far beyond the school gates. She has successfully strengthened the bonds between Limavady Grammar School and the wider community, ensuring the school has remained a welcoming hub for local families and organisations. Furthermore, she has instilled a profound sense of responsibility in our students. Through her active support of charity work and community outreach initiatives, the school community has raised significant awareness and funds for numerous local and global causes. Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised over the past 10 years, with over £22,000 being raised in the March Challenge of 2021 alone.
All of the above was recognised at the Family First NI Education Awards in May 2023 when Limavady Grammar School was awarded the highly prestigious Overall Winner for Best School in Northern Ireland, held at Titanic Belfast.
As Mrs Madden prepares to step down as Principal after 10 remarkable years, the Board of Governors, staff and pupils would like to extend their deepest gratitude. Her leadership has not only raised standards at Limavady Grammar School but has also shaped the heart and soul of our school.
We wish Mrs Madden a long, healthy and richly deserved retirement of joy and fulfilment with her family.