[1] St Pius X Voluntary Intermediate School began in 1960 with the purchase of 6 acres (24,000 m2) of land, at a cost of £5,000, by Canon Mark Quinn, parish priest of Magherafelt.

Sean O'Kane, who succeeded Murphy, was widely regarded as an innovative leader whose primary focus was the cultivation of a supportive culture which fostered the personal growth and enhanced the self-confidence of each member of the college community.

At a time of immense educational and social change he actively engaged with a variety of initiatives and programmes culminating in the conferment of the Schools Curriculum Award in 1990.

He was assisted by a number of local and visiting clergy, including the present chairperson, Canon O'Byrne (PPVF) who has been closely associated with the college since its inception.

Much success was experienced including capturing the Rannafast, Corn na nÓg, Brock and Dalton cups, while the 1990 camogie team won the Ulster Colleges C competition.

[citation needed] The rapid growth in population in Mid-Ulster led to a huge increase in demand for places at the school and a 'mobile village' sprung up around the permanent buildings.

Principal Devenny secured the full co-operation of both teaching and construction staff throughout the building programme thus ensuring the smooth running of the scheme.