BANBRIDGE ACADEMY in Down, Banbridge

Education Centre Information: Banbridge Academy:

Institution Type:Secondary (grammar) school
Status: Open
Board: SOUTHERN EDUCATION & LIBRARY BOARD (SELB)
Management: Controlled
Delivery: Paper
Total Pupils: 1331
Admissions: Selective
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
Gender of sixth form: Mixed

Background:

Founded as private school in 1786; transferred to local authority control in 1938; became controlled grammar in 1973; located in dormitory and commercial town of Banbridge on Upper Bann; non-denominational. Extensive £5m rebuilding programme completed in 1994. Set in 40-acre estate, formerly owned by local linen family; generous facilities for hockey, rugby and tennis. Sporting achievements include 1993 Irish schoolboys' hockey champions, pupils represented Ireland in Europe; boys' hockey winners of Richardson Cup, Bannister Bowl, Dowdall Cup, Ulster Bank Burney Cup (2005, 2006), and McCullough Cup (2006); cricket Jubilee Trophy winners, 2003. Extra-curricular activities include choir, music, drama, rugby, chess, bridge and science clubs. Member of Council for Education in World Citizenship; pupils have raised more than £30,000 for Third World projects. Over-subscribed, with 1.3 applications per place. Ethos: 'To assist each child to reach personal fulfilment and happiness and to develop the qualities of self-esteem, self-reliance, physical and spiritual well-being, moral responsibility, adaptability and self-discipline.' .