About us:

Belfast Royal Academy, commonly abbreviated as BRA, holds the distinction of being the oldest school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1785, it has a rich history, initially known as Belfast Academy until Queen Victoria granted permission for the school to rename itself as Belfast Royal Academy in 1888​​​​.

The school is a co-educational, non-denominational voluntary grammar school located in north Belfast. It's part of the prestigious group of 8 schools in Northern Ireland whose Head is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence and leadership​​​​.

Belfast Royal Academy creates an environment that is both challenging and stimulating, aiming to achieve excellent examination results while also developing personal and leadership skills among its pupils. It emphasizes an academic focus within an inclusive community setting. Currently, the school serves pupils aged 11-18, with a student population of 1,571, and it does not require an entrance exam. For the academic year 2022/23, the annual day fees were £4,281, and the school's GCSE performance was 59.23%, above the 44% average for independent schools​​​​.

The school is led by Principal Mrs. H Woods and is situated at 5-17 Cliftonville Road, Belfast, Co Antrim. This location serves as a nurturing ground for a diverse body of students, offering a broad range of educational opportunities and experiences​​.

In summary, Belfast Royal Academy stands out for its historic legacy, commitment to co-educational and non-denominational education, and its focus on fostering both academic excellence and personal development. Its status as a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, along with its inclusive approach and strong examination results, makes it a noteworthy institution for families seeking comprehensive education for their children in Belfast.

Head's name:Mrs Hilary Woods (Principal)

Day fees per term:£46 to £1,427

Scholarships & bursaries:None

Day/boarding type: Day

Gender profile: Coeducational

Size: 1544

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