DE La Salle College is marking 60 years since welcoming its first pupils on 5 September 1966, beginning a journey that has seen generations of young men pass through its doors and go on to make valuable contributions to their families, communities and wider society.
For six decades, the school in Edenmore Drive has been at the heart of Andersonstown, growing alongside the community it serves. Since opening with an enrolment of 275 pupils under the leadership of Brother Cornelius, the school has witnessed enormous change, overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities while remaining steadfast in its commitment to young people.
The college's story is deeply intertwined with that of West Belfast itself. During the Troubles, the school community experienced many of the difficulties faced across the area, yet it remained a place of learning, support and hope for local families. Over the years, De La Salle expanded significantly, operated across two sites for almost two decades and ultimately moved into its state-of-the-art campus, which continues to provide outstanding facilities for pupils today.
While proud of its history, De La Salle College believes its greatest strength has always been its people, particularly the generations of young men whose talents, achievements and character have shaped the school's identity.
Guided by its Lasallian values of Faith, Respect, Service, Quality Education and Inclusive Community, the college continues to place pupils at the centre of everything it does. Its mission is to ensure every young person is known, valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Acting Principal Áine Best said: "This anniversary is first and foremost about people. It is about the thousands of young men who have walked through our doors over the past sixty years, the dedicated staff who have supported them, and the families and community who have placed their trust in us.
"We are immensely proud of our history and Lasallian heritage, but our focus is firmly on the future. As we begin our seventh decade, we remain committed to ensuring that every pupil is given the opportunity to succeed, to belong and to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
"De La Salle College continues to be a place of opportunity, where every journey matters."
The 60th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the 2026-27 academic year with a series of initiatives, events and opportunities for the school community to come together, reconnect and reflect on the enduring impact of De La Salle College. Plans include projects focused on pupils, alumni, staff, community engagement and the rich history of the school.
A special Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Down and Connor, will take place later this autumn as part of the anniversary programme.
The school is also encouraging former pupils, past staff and members of the wider community to follow its social media channels throughout the year, where they can look forward to anniversary news, stories from the archives, historical photographs, memories from across the decades and regular reflections on the people and events that have shaped De La Salle College since 1966.
