Groomsport ISLU is an EOTAS centre providing specialist, personalised education for young people facing Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing challenges — helping every pupil find their path forward.
Springwell Dr, Groomsport
Bangor BT19 6JX
028 9082 1429
GCSE · Essential Skills
King's Trust Awards
Sat in-centre or externally
with EA / parent funding
EOTAS: Education Other Than At School — a specialist pathway for young people when mainstream school isn't the right fit.
EOTAS is distinct from mainstream education. While academic progress matters deeply, our priority is helping young people address and overcome the barriers that have stood between them and learning.
Mental health and emotional resilience sit at the heart of everything we do.
Structured, consistent support to help pupils self-regulate and grow.
GCSEs, Essential Skills and vocational qualifications within reach of every pupil.
Building the real-world skills and confidence needed for life beyond ISLU.
We offer a broad range of nationally recognised qualifications, tailored to each pupil's age, ability and aspirations.
Full GCSE examinations can be sat in-centre. External tutoring can also be arranged with funding from parents or the Education Authority (EA) if granted.
Foundation and higher tier maths covering all core GCSE topics with in-centre exam provision.
Extended mathematical study for pupils looking to progress to A-level or technical pathways.
Data handling, analysis and interpretation — practical skills valued across many career paths.
Exploring prose, poetry and drama; developing critical thinking and written expression.
Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills essential for education, employment and life.
Understanding the past to make sense of the present — local, national and world history.
Creative expression through visual art — building confidence, focus and a unique portfolio.
All GCSE exams can be sat directly at Groomsport ISLU. External tutoring for specialist subjects can be arranged with funding from parents or the Education Authority (EA), subject to grant approval. Speak to the centre for more information.
Personal Development and Employability programme supporting young people to build skills, confidence and a plan for their future.
Learners assess their strengths and weaknesses and set manageable, achievable goals for work and personal life.
Practical skills for the workplace — communication, teamwork, reliability, and professional behaviour.
Pupils are assessed through a structured portfolio, demonstrating their learning outcomes at their working level.
Creating action plans with regular reviews, so progress stays on track and targets can adapt as needs change.
Our programme is delivered in partnership with The King's Trust Education. Angela leads this provision at Groomsport ISLU.
View the Personal Development UnitFree, nationally recognised qualifications in literacy, numeracy and ICT — helping pupils build confidence in everyday life and employment.
Reading, writing, speaking and listening — the building blocks of every job, qualification and social situation.
Working with numbers confidently in real-life situations, from budgeting to workplace calculations.
Practical computer and technology skills, including the internet, word processing and digital communication.
Essential Skills are delivered across Northern Ireland and are free for eligible learners. Qualifications are recognised by employers and further education providers.
Learn more on nidirect.gov.ukOur small, dedicated team brings together expertise in education, pastoral care, creative arts, and personal development.
Leads the overall operation, ethos and strategic direction of Groomsport ISLU, ensuring every pupil receives the support they need.
Specialist teacher bringing a rigorous and supportive approach to Mathematics, Psychology and Statistics.
Delivers English Literature, English Language, History and Communications, fostering critical thinking and a love of language.
Leads Art provision, giving pupils a creative outlet that builds confidence, focus and a sense of achievement.
Teaches Computers and Cooking, combining practical life skills with digital literacy in a hands-on setting.
Delivers the King's Trust Personal Development and Employability programme, helping pupils plan and achieve their goals.
Provides dedicated in-class and pastoral support, ensuring every pupil can access learning at their own level. First aid trained. Horticulture leader.
Works alongside teaching staff to provide tailored 1-to-1 and small group support across the curriculum. First aid trained.
Keeps the centre running smoothly — the first point of contact for enquiries, referrals and day-to-day administration.
No two pupils arrive at Groomsport ISLU with the same story. Our process begins with truly listening — and builds from there.
Pupils are referred through schools, the EA, social services or parents. Our team ensures a warm, structured welcome into the centre.
We assess each pupil's academic level, learning style, interests and SBEW needs before any learning plan is built.
A personalised mix of GCSE subjects, Essential Skills, King's Trust, and pastoral support — shaped around the individual.
Working toward qualifications, with eyes on what comes next — further education, training, or employment.
"We strive to unlock the hidden potential in every child that we work with."— Groomsport ISLU
Whether you're a parent, carer, referring school, or agency — our team is happy to talk through how Groomsport ISLU might be the right fit.
Springwell Drive, Groomsport
Bangor, BT19 6JX
Joy McNeown — first point of contact for all enquiries and referrals.
We accept referrals from schools, the Education Authority, social services, parents, and other agencies.