St Mary’s on the Hill primary school in Newtownabbey has reached its 125th academic year.

The school opened in 1900 on Carnmoney Road. It has educated thousands of children since that time.

Principal Matthew O’Brien described the anniversary as a massive milestone for the community. He said the school’s continued presence is due to the people who have passed through it.

Special needs coordinator Rachel Thompson noted that multiple generations of the same families have attended the school. She said grandparents, parents and children have remained connected to the site.

The school marked the occasion with events including a gala evening at Corr’s Corner. The area around the school has changed from a rural setting to a suburban one since 1900.

O’Brien said the school maintains a sense of warmth that draws people back. Thompson said the school’s ethos of learning and care is sustained by leadership and community ties.