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What it's like

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 h¶tel 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 & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-19; 2286 pupils, 2146 day (1107 boys, 1039 girls), 140 boarding (80 boys, 60 girls). Senior department 11-19, 1810 pupils (1007 boys, 803 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.

Scholarships & bursaries

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.

Parents

15+% are doctors, lawyers, etc; 15+% in industry or commerce; 15+% are teachers/lecturers. 60+% live within 30 miles; 5% live overseas.

Head & staff

Principal: Scott Naismith, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 140 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 42.

Exam results

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.

University & college entrance

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.

Curriculum

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.

The arts

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.

Sports & activities

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.

School life

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. Sunday evening service compulsory for boarders (in school chapel); 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. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. Small school tuck shops. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect reprimand; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion.

Alumni association

Former Pupils' Association, run by Sir John Gillen, c/o the college.

Former pupils

Barry Douglas (winner of Tchaikovsky Piano Competition); Chris Barry (actor); James Ellis (actor); Dr Robin Eames (present Primate of All Ireland); George Hamilton (sports commentator); Jack Siggins (British Lions Manager); Roger Young, Jeremy Davidson (British Lions); Prof Ernest Walton (Nobel Prize); Sir Ewart Bell (ex-head NI Civil Service); Field Marshal Sir John Dill (CIGS World War II); Edith Major (Mistress of Girton).