The Craigavon-based secondary school formerly known as Brownlow Integrated College has officially rebranded to a new name and logo with the invaluable help of their students.
Announcing their rebrand on May 20, the school, based on the Tullygally Road – now known as Craigavon Integrated College – has regarded the move as a “bold step forward”.
Explaining the reason for the name change, the school undertook a “comprehensive and collaborative” process engaging with students, staff, parents and the wider community to ensure that their school reflected the identity of their entire community.
A spokesperson for the school explained: “The rebrand of Brownlow Integrated College marks an exciting and progressive chapter in the school’s journey – one that is deeply rooted in listening, inclusion and innovation. At the heart of this initiative is a powerful message: our students’ voices matter.
“Pupils expressed a desire for a school identity that better reflects who they are today – modern, confident and connected. They wanted a uniform that felt comfortable and contemporary, a logo they could be proud of, and colours that resonated with their sense of belonging. This feedback wasn’t just heard, it was embraced.
“In response, the school undertook a comprehensive and collaborative process, engaging not only students but also staff, parents and the wider community. Together, they envisioned a refreshed identity that honours the proud legacy of Brownlow while stepping boldly into the future.
“This is not about leaving the past behind. It’s about building on the strong foundations of Brownlow, the values, the community, the achievements and presenting them in a way that speaks to today’s world and tomorrow’s opportunities.
“The rebrand is more than a new look. It’s a renewed commitment to excellence in pastoral care and academic provision, delivered in a way that reflects the dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking environment in which our students learn and grow.
“As the saying goes, ‘A change is as good as a rest’. For Brownlow Integrated College, this change is a celebration of identity, a statement of intent, and a promise to every student: you belong here, and your future is bright.”
In the process of rebranding, the school asked former pupils and staff to send in their memories of Brownlow Integrated College, saying “let’s be honest – every good rebrand needs a few nostalgic tears and a lot of awkward laughs!”
Among the several memories shared, one person said: “My Brownlow memories are my fondest of memories, the best from difficult teenage years. Brownlow brought happiness, peace and stability. It brought friendships which have lasted the test of times (Uppa Class of 2012).
“It brought calm during the GCSE period and brought fun and laughter in the form of rewards trips, ski trips, Icthus weekends away and unadulterated craic. Thank you Brownlow, to those who kept me sane and made laughter the most present.
“My best memories are of Mr Brankin and the cockerel; one of my classmates had chickens and Mr Brankin was our tutor from third to fifth year. He, a man of the farm himself, smuggled in and kept a cockerel in the history store room for my classmate to bring home to help bring forth some chicks. The hysterics of keeping the massive operation under wraps was incredible, absolutely gaslighting Mr Creber when he thought he heard some clucking!
“Mr Brankin was a legend – the Brankinator – the finest compliment he bestowed upon me, ‘You get worse every year’. I took it with pride as someone full of mischief and craic that he had noticed! Made all more funny by Mr Brankin’s drole, Snape-esque vibe of course!
“Thank you to Mrs Thompson, Mrs Norton, Mrs Williamson, Mr Calender, Mr Brankin, Mrs Mathers and all the incredible staff, especially our lunch ladies for making Brownlow such a highlight.
“Your unrequited love and service to us kids will never be forgotten.”
The school have also unveiled their new logo – a symbol of “who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going”.
The fresh new identity, they say “respects our past, but dares to move forward with confidence, pride, and purpose”, depicting a fort to represent the stronghold that once stood there, symbolising “protection, community and a shared history”; an oak tree representing “strength, growth and resilience” and the beautiful oak trees that stand on school grounds, and water to symbolise “calm, clarity and life” and the famous Craigavon lakes.
