methodist college

Methodist College Belfast, or Methody as the College is more commonly known, is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, It comprises a grammar school of 1850 pupils, aged 11-18; two boarding departments School House 110 boys, McArthur Hall 70 girls two preparatory departments, with 280 pupils, aged 5 -11.

There are also 140 full-time and 10 part-time teaching staff.

Interdenominational since its foundation in 1865, the College has a long tradition of commitment to pastoral care, It is a principal partner in the inter-schools peace and reconciliation movement, it also provides opportunities for pupils to work with elderly people as well as handicapped children in the community.

The College is situated in 14 acres of grounds immediately adjacent to Queen’s University of Belfast. There are 40 acres of playing fields at Pirrie Park over a mile away in east Belfast; a further 12 acres at Deramore Park in south Belfast; a Boat House for the Rowing Club on the Lagan river.

The Malone Road campus comprises the original college building, opened in 1868 part of which is used for the accommodation of boy boarders; McArthur Hall opened in 1891 as a hall of residence for girl boarders; the Whitla Hall opened in 1935 with seating for 800; the Chapel of Unity built in 1968 to celebrate the centenary of the college.

The school is divided into 3 sections: the Junior School from first year up to third, the Middle School fourth and fifth year, the Senior School Lower 6 and Upper 6.

In the GCSE examinations in 2002, 99% of pupils obtained 5 or more grades A* - C.

Each year, about 90% of the Sixth Form leavers proceed to Higher Education, with some 20-25 going to Oxford and Cambridge.

In September, the College holds its annual Higher Education Convention: with some 150 exhibitors, it is one of the largest of its kind, attracting over 5,000 visitors from schools throughout Northern Ireland.