St. John the Baptist P.S. is situated on the upper Garvaghy Road on the north-west outskirts of Portadown. The school first opened its doors in September 1975 to serve the shifting Catholic population of Portadown that had largely moved to the Drumcree/Ballyoran/Garvaghy area.  The school mainly draws its children from the surrounding housing estates and private housing developments. However, a significant number of children travel to the school from outlying rural areas. When the school originally opened there were over five hundred children enrolled. Now, due to the falling birth rate, the school has three hundred and seventy six children enrolled. There is a teaching staff of 17 and an ancillary staff of 19.

The present principal, and his teachers, in partnership with the Governors have sought to provide a "broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, which will allow each child realise its maximum potential within a Catholic School environment". In 1998 the school opened its doors to the first children to be educated through the medium of Irish in our Irish Medium Unit. 

The School's greatest resource is highly qualified and professional teaching staff which is dedicated to the achievement of high standards and the care of its pupils. The school has gained a growing reputation within the community and beyond for its involvement in many interesting and challenging projects. The school is well known and respected for its sporting, cultural and musical achievements.

There are many extra-curricular activities on offer in the school, such as swimming, gaelic, netball, soccer and computers to mention a few. The school is very well equipped with up to date technology. There are three playgrounds, a gymnasium, a first class football pitch, well resourced classrooms and five shared resource areas.

Click here to read our School Prospectus

The former Parish Priest of Portadown, the late Canon Francis McLarnon and the original staff of St. John the Baptist P.S. photographed with the late Cardinal Tomas O'Fiaich at the blessing and official opening of the school in 1975.