Founded in 1868 as a co-educational school, it is urban and single-site in landscaped grounds, close to Queen's University and a mile from the city centre. The principal buildings are Victorian Gothic, with suggestions of Scottish baronial and hotel de ville. There are many modern buildings including a splendid chapel. It is a very well-equipped establishment with high academic attainments; examination results are very good. It has two large prep schools. Strong in music and drama. Very high standards in sport and games. An enormous number of clubs and societies catering for virtually every need. There is a big commitment to local community schemes and an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 4-19; 2240 pupils (1143 boys, 1097 girls). Senior department 11-19, 1787 pupils (915 boys, 872 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Transfer test for NI children; school reports for others; own exam for boarding scholars. For sixth form entry, GCSE performance and interview (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.
All EU pupils exempted from tuition fees. 12 pa academic scholarships, value £200-£500 (6 at 11 and 6 at 16). Parents not expected to buy textbooks; £400 pa maximum extras.
15+% are doctors, lawyers, etc; 15+% in industry or commerce; 15+% are teachers/lecturers.
Principal: Scott Naismith, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 140 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 42.
GCSE: On average 260 in upper fifth: 83% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 13% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 270 in upper sixth: 11% pass in 4 subjects; 67% in 3; 17% in 2 subjects.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (8% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in maths, science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 20% in professional and vocational subjects, eg education, pharmacy, law. Others typically go on to repeat A-levels or into employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 29 AS-level subjects, 27 A-level (including classical Greek). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. On average, 33% take science/engineering A-levels; 30% arts and humanities; 37% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German, Russian and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France); Lingua and Comenius schemes; member of European Studies Project. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 160 computers for pupil use (4 hours a day), all networked and 110 with email and internet access.
Music: Over 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choir, orchestra, recorder consort, band, brass ensemble. 2 members of National Youth Orchestra; recent winners of 2 Choir of the Year competitions (Sainsbury's and Songs of Praise). Drama and debating: Drama offered and GCSE, AS, and A-level may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and other productions. School public speaking teams have won cups in competitions. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, photography also offered.
Sport: Optional sports include rugby, hockey, netball, rowing, athletics, squash, badminton, cricket. Pupils represent Ulster and Ireland at rugby, hockey, squash, swimming, rowing, athletics, fencing, judo, golf, tennis, cricket, badminton. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg current affairs, conservation, chess, history, BAYS.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Prefects, head boy and girl, deputy head boy and girl - appointed by the Principal in consultation with staff. Sixth-Form Forum. Religion: Non-denominational. Brief act of worship at morning assemblies for all pupils. Social: Current affairs, debates, public-speaking, Christian Union, chess and sports with other local schools. Exchanges to France; links with Romania and India. Meals self-service. Small school tuck shops.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect reprimand; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion.
Former Pupils' Association, run by Sir John Gillen, c/o the college.
Barry Douglas (pianist); Chris Barry and James Ellis (actors); Archbishop Dr Robin Eames (Primate of All Ireland); George Hamilton (sports commentator); Jack Siggins (British Lions Manager); Roger Young and Jeremy Davidson (British Lions); Prof Ernest Walton (Nobel Prize-winning phycist); Sir Ewart Bell (ex-head NI Civil Service); Field Marshal Sir John Dill (CIGS World War II); Edith Major (Mistress of Girton).
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