Principal's welcome 

As Principal, I would like to welcome you to The High School, Ballynahinch.

We are a thriving co-educational school situated in the
market town of Ballynahinch. The school is justly known for high academic standards and excellent pastoral care. We are
a family school with many parents and staff being former pupils themselves. The school was opened in September 1955. 

Our position allows easy access from Belfast and County Down.  

We place a huge emphasis on the relationships between parents, staff, pupils and our local community. We are a founding member of the Ballynahinch Learning Community which allows us to share classes and activities with our neighbouring schools.

The school has a tradition of close family ties which are reflected in strong pupil and parent involvement in all areas. Parents are actively encouraged to work in partnership with the school and there are opportunities to participate in leadership as Parent Governors, and with our PTA.

An ‘open door’ policy whereby parents and pupils have easy and comfortable access to staff is one of our strengths and contributes significantly to the family ethos. In addition to interviews there are parents’ meetings for all year groups and information evenings. The school also sends out a termly Newsletter.

Pupils in Year 12 are personally mentored to guide their preparation for examinations. This together with other strategies has produced consistently good results.

A feature of which we are particularly proud is our induction procedure for Year 8 pupils which aims to make the transition from primary school to secondary school an exciting positive experience. It is an opportunity for the children to quickly forge new friendships. The school accepts pupils from a large number of primary schools covering an extensive geographical area. It is important to us that our diverse intake quickly feel a part of the school and comfortable in their new surroundings.

The school has continued to grow in popularity as parents have realised the benefits of a small school in a largely rural community. This is reflected in the numbers attending.

The size of the school allows for small classes and therefore close attention can be given to all pupils. Those with Special Educational Needs are particularly well catered for by the highly qualified staff under the leadership of a widely experienced Special Needs Co-ordinator.  Pupils with Statements of Educational Need have Individual Education Plans and are monitored closely.

We are immensely proud of having an autism unit within the school which has as its core aim to integrate pupils by the time they take their GCSEs.

I hope you enjoy navigating our website.  Feel free to phone the school should you wish to visit or ask any questions.

Mr. P. Marks
Principal