History
Ballycastle High School was established more than 100 years ago and we are proud of our long tradition of academic success and developing the full potential of all our pupils. In partnership with our parents and governors, our dedicated and enthusiastic staff, continually strive to provide the best possible education for every pupil within a caring and creative school community. As Principal of an all ability non-selective school, I believe that everything that is done in Ballycastle High School is for the benefit of all our pupils.
Throughout our history we have been at the forefront of educational change. We believe the ongoing success of our school is due to a range of factors including: an extensive and well resourced curriculum which meets the needs of a wide range of abilities in the 11 – 18 range, quality pastoral care, quality teachers and teaching, and a comprehensive range of extra curricular activities. A progressive approach, a focus on continual improvement and a caring inclusive ethos, serves as a hallmark which ensures high standards and high expectations from both staff and pupils.
Our links with the local community and our commitment to the long-standing successful collaborative arrangements with Cross and Passion College and the Coleraine Area Learning Partnership, place us at the cutting edge of educational development for the benefit of our pupils and the community.
Ballycastle High School is of a size that allows a personalised learning experience in a caring environment. Yet effective partnerships permit a large range of curricular and extra-curricular experiences to be delivered to develop ‘an all round individual’ in what we believe is an ‘all round school.’ This website will give you some insight into school life, but do feel free to contact us for further information.
100 Years of Excellence at Ballycastle High School
September 2011 saw the 100th anniversary of our school.
The school has grown considerably since it was first established on the Quay Road as Ballycastle Grammar School. Over the past one hundred years it has come to be known as a place of excellence in education and perhaps more importantly has helped to shape the lives of the thousands of young people who have passed through our doors. Many of our present pupils represent the third generation of their family to attend the school – a proud tradition indeed!
A number of events have taken place and are planned to celebrate this landmark anniversary and it is hoped that old girls and boys, as well as current pupils, will be able to relive and share memories of their time at Ballycastle High School.
The music department held a special concert to mark the occasion. The programme ranged through the past one hundred years of music and involved pupils and staff, past and present in presenting the history of the school. It was both an educational and highly enjoyable event – a particular highlight for many was the return of Ms. Gail Morrow and Mr John Andrews who acted as the comperes for the evening.
The school also produced a special anniversary calendar for 2011 which featured a short history and a range of photos charting the development of the school and featuring many familiar faces. A wide range of photographs, including those in the calendar, were on display in the Boys’ Gym during the interval of the concert. These generated such great interest that another exhibition was arranged later on the term. It was very well attended and many old memories were shared as past pupils discussed the images on show.
Hockey has always been part of life in Ballycastle High School and Autumn 2011 will see a very special tournament take place at the Quay Road Playing Fields. This inaugural, mixed seven aside hockey event should provide a way for the past and present girls and boys teams to see if experience really can conquer youth.