DERRY'S oldest Catholic grammar school is to have its first woman principal in its 144-year history.
St Columb's College has appointed Caroline McLaughlin to take over from outgoing principal Finbar Madden, who became only the second lay principal of the school in 2012.
History teacher and current vice-principal Ms McLaughlin will take up her new role in January.
St Columb's was founded in 1879, and counts late SDLP leader John Hume among its past pupils.
Current SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood is also a former pupil of the school, and congratulated Ms McLaughlin on her appointment.
"It’s incredibly significant that she is the first woman to serve as principal of this proud Derry institution and it signifies the journey the college has been on in the past number of years, working to modernise and provide the best experience possible to its students," he said.
He said Mr Madden had done "sterling work" during his years as principal, adding: "He departs as principal with the college experiencing sustained success and I’m sure he will remain part of the wider-college family going forward."
