Founded in 1894 to give a liberal education similar to that in English and Scottish public schools. The college (and its junior school, Cabin Hill) lies on the eastern outskirts of Belfast, five miles from the city centre. It is on a splendid 100-acre estate with superb playing fields in a tranquil and beautiful setting. The original (listed) Victorian building forms the heart of the cluster of school buildings. Boarding is in two units of the main building. An all-round education is provided. Academic and vocational study is seen as important but so too are the creative, physical and spiritual. Examination results are good. It is strong in music and drama and outstanding in sport and games (many national and provincial representatives). A flourishing and large CCF with a pipe band. Community action is extensive. The school is inter-denominational.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 1036 boys (976 day, 60 boarding). Senior department 13-18, 640 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11, 13 and 16. Entrance following satisfactory report from present school; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSE subjects at least grade C, usually to include English and maths. No special skills or religious requirements. Many pupils from state schools and senior pupils from own junior.

8 pa scholarships, value 200-1000: 6 academic, 1 art, 1 music. Books supplied by LEA.

Headmaster: Jay Piggot, in post from 2006. Educated at Campbell College and at universities of Cardiff (English Literature), Cambridge (PGCE) and Liverpool (MA Renaissance Literature). Previously House Master at Eton and Assistant Master at Millfield. Teaching staff: 63 full time, 2 part time.

GCSE: 135 pupils in fifth: 75% gained at least grade C in 7+ subjects; 14% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 54 (52 over 5 years). A-levels: 91 in upper sixth: 98% passed in 2+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 310.

83% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 2% to Oxbridge. 14% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 40% in science and engineering, 41% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go straight on to careers, eg estate agency, business, or to further education.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects (including applied business, leisure studies, political studies). BTEC diploma in public services optional for members of CCF. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, there is a lower sixth enrichment programme. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: According to need (special educational needs co-ordinator). Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 350 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 7 musical groups including orchestra, choir, jazz band, pipe band etc. Drama: Drama taught to all aged 11-13. Lively lunchtime theatre club (boys script, direct and perform own productions). Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 18 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered

Sport: Choice from archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, golf, hockey, rugby, sailing, shooting, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis, volleyball. International and provincial representatives at various sports. Activities: Pioneers compulsory for a year at age 13 (involves eg map work, adventure training); CCF optional from age 14. Active charity committee. Up to 30 clubs, eg archery, computers, chess, debating, history, mountaineering, photography.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (each middle school house linked with a senior school house). House prefects appointed by the Headmaster; also head prefect. Sixth-Form Committee. Religion: Non-denominational school. Prayers most mornings. Termly family service. Social: Dramatic productions, carol service, senior citizens' Christmas party run by community action group. Organised trips to France, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada; skiing parties to Austria, USA etc. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to have homework extended; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect immediate expulsion. Strong pastoral system based on the houses.

Old Campbellian Society, run by the College.

Michael Gibson (rugby); Iain Johnstone (BBC interviewer and producer); Mark Lambert (actor ); Air Marshal A H W Ball; Air Vice Marshal F D Hughes; Air Vice Marshal C J Thomson.