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 Regent House, one of Ulster’s largest grammar schools has existed in its present form since 1924 taking its name from the imposing Regency Mansion which was its home from 1924 - 62.
In 1962 the school moved to its present extensive site on Circular Road. A co-educational grammar school with 1450 pupils in the Senior School, 155 pupils in the Preparatory Department and over 100 teaching staff, it prides itself on its excellent facilities. A major extension has just been completed providing 15 new Science laboratories, 8 new Humanities rooms, a new 6th Form Centre, a new Art suite, a new Technology block, new ICT and Business Studies suite and new Home Economic rooms. The school is very well equipped for ICT. A second phase which will be completed by the autumn of 2005 will provide a new 22 classroom block, a new large lecture/Drama theatre, new Music provision, a new Careers suite, refurbished Sports Hall, Gym, Assembly Hall and changing accommodation, a new fitness suite and complete renovation of all existing classrooms, offices, corridors and dining centre. In addition the school has 4 rugby pitches, 2 all weather hockey pitches, its own sports pavilion, and has the use of convenient council leisure centre facilities for football, swimming, tennis and an astro pitch for hockey.
The school which is oversubscribed draws its pupils from a wide catchment area - Newtownards, Bangor, Donaghadee, the Ards Peninsula, Comber, Killinchy and Dundonald.
Central to the educational philosophy of Regent House is the belief that each pupil should be encouraged to fulfil his/her potential in a concerned and caring environment. Accordingly the school seeks to provide a sound academic education for all pupils to the highest level possible, to foster personal and social development and encourage the acquisition of that great range of skills needed by an individual to lead an active and satisfying life in the 21st century.
The school is strongly subject orientated with Heads of Department playing a pivotal role in the management structure.
All pupils are prepared for GCSE examinations in which most attempt 9 or 10 subjects from the 24 currently on offer. Approximately 85% meet the requirements to enter the 6th Form where they follow A/S and A2 syllabi. The great majority proceed to university.
Guidance about Higher Education courses and in the choice of careers is regarded by the school as an important aspect of education and is provided by a skilled careers staff. The school has a very strong pastoral ethos and much effort is expended on creating and maintaining good, mutually supportive relationships between all members of the school community. The pastoral structure comprises Form Teachers and Year Teachers for each year group, Heads of Junior, Middle and Senior School, a full-time Matron and a part-time Pupil Counsellor all responsible to the Vice Principal (Pastoral) who also has oversight of the PSE programmes. Two other Vice Principals look after administration and organisation, examination entries, curriculum and staff development. There are 3 Senior Teachers who along with the Vice Principals and Principal comprise the Senior Management Team.
Regent House strongly believes in the value of extra curricular activities and staff give willingly of their time to promote these. In recent years the pupils have gained great success in rugby, boys’ and girls’ hockey, athletics, football, cricket, swimming and netball, winning provincial and/or national titles.
Music and Drama are particularly strong and there is a thriving ATC. In addition many other clubs and societies cater to a wide variety of interests.
Regent House believes in close co-operation with parents and seeks to enlist their support in all aspects of their sons and daughters education. Parents are kept informed about progress through reports, regular parent meetings and personal interviews. There is an active School Association which parents are encouraged to support. |
