Add to clipboard

What it's like

Founded in 1860, it occupies a semi-rural, single site in 70 acres of playing fields and grounds on the outskirts of Coleraine with a view over beautiful landscapes and the lower reaches of the River Bann. Known familiarly as The Inst, it is a well-run school with high academic standards and good examination results. It aims to provide a full and thorough instruction in all branches of a liberal education and results are good. Science is a strong department. There is a good range of sports and games (many Ulster and Ireland representatives). A fair commitment to local community schemes.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-19; 675 day boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Approx 25% are children of former pupils. For sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (but grade B for maths, physics and chemistry). Above average IQ expected; no religious requirements. State school entry 95% at 11, 75% at 16. Extras: Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Leonard F Quigg, in post from 2003. Educated at Ulster University (English). Previously Vice Principal at Coleraine Academical Institution. Teaching staff: 47 full time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 40.

Exam results

GCSE: 101 pupils in upper fifth: 72% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 50 (over 5 years). A-levels: 79 in upper sixth: 15% passed in 4+ subjects; 70% in 3; 14% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 306.

University & college entrance

90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 4% to Oxbridge. 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 39% in science and engineering, 4% in law, 37% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in business and finance, 1% in art and design. Others typically go on to HND courses or into the forces.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 45% take science A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 35% both. Key skills largely integrated into subjects but ECDL offered to all sixth-formers. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level; also non-examined French. Regular exchanges to France. Participation in talks/lectures presented in Northern Ireland. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 110 computers for pupil use (6 hours a day), all networked with email and internet access. Many sixth formers take ECDL.

The arts

Music: Up to 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Orchestra popular. Drama: Some pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby compulsory in first year. Optional: cricket, athletics, swimming, cross-country, tennis, squash, badminton, rowing, sailing, angling. Ulster and Irish successes in badminton, rugby, swimming, golf, cross-country, athletics, tennis, bridge. Activities: Community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg debating, bridge, chess.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects, elected by staff and sixth form. Religion: Christian school. Religious worship is encouraged. Social: Debating society with other local schools. Ski trip, modern language trip and rugby tour each year. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to do it by the following day; those caught smoking cannabis could expect suspension or expulsion.

Former pupils

James Nesbitt (actor)