Alan Thompson to become new Principal at Abbey Vocational School

Mr Alan Thompson will take over as the new Principal at Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town in January.

The announcement was made by the Donegal ETB on Friday evening with Mr Thompson set to leave his current role as Principal of Finn Valley College in Stranorlar.

Mr Thompson will succeed the retiring Ms Geraldine Diver from January 1, 2024.

Abbey Vocational School is the largest school managed by Donegal ETB with a school population of almost 1,000 students.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Principal of the Abbey Vocational School,” Mr Thompson, a native of Ballybofey said.

“Having spent 16 years working in the school, I know very well how central and important the school community is in Donegal Town. I look forward to reconnecting with the students, staff and parents and working together to build on the great work of the outgoing Principal, Ms Geraldine Diver.

“I know that the school has a fantastic staff with the students' interests at the heart of everything they do and I will certainly look to continue that proud tradition with their support.”

He previously taught English, History and Geography at Abbey VS having initially taught at St Catherine’s VS in Killybegs, where he began teaching in 1995. He has been the Principal at Finn Valley College for the last ten years.

Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools Dr Martin Gormley said: “With his extensive experience in education, strong leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to student success, I am confident that Alan will bring further positive and transformative changes in the development of the Abbey Vocational School. Alan will make a seamless transition to the role.”

Mr Gormley paid tribute to the outgoing Ms Diver who he said had helped create ‘a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empowered and inspired students’ and has left a ‘an indelible mark’ on the school.

Donegal ETB Chief Executive  Anne McHugh said: “I very much welcome the appointment of Alan to the Abbey Vocational School. The mission and ethos of Donegal ETB and its schools is one which places the student at the heart of all our plans. Central to this are our Principals who play a pivotal role within our schools in leading the senior management team in fulfilment of our strategy.

“We rely on them to articulate the vision in a variety of ways every day in our schools and Alan will be continuing the wonderful work of retiring Principal, Geraldine Diver as he leads the Abbey Vocational School in a trajectory which is fully student-centred.”

Abbey Vocational School is one of 15 of the county’s 27 post-primary schools under the management of Donegal ETB.