Rockport School

Rockport is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 16, and is Northern Ireland's only fully independent school. It is situated in a beautiful estate on the shores of Belfast Lough and has its own beach, but is an easy 10 minute drive from Belfast City Airport which makes Heathrow, Gatwick and other airports a short 50 minute flight away.

Founded in 1906, the school has grown to its present enrolment of around 200 children, about 15% of whom are boarders. The school has an excellent record of success for pupils of all abilities, blending academic excellence with a truly family-like atmosphere and a richness of opportunity beyond the classroom. CURRICULUM Pupils are prepared for 11+, 13+ Common Entrance and GCSE examinations, ensuring that they are able to move to the very best schools after Rockport – both Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland and leading boarding schools in the rest of the UK. Results at each of these levels are impressive and the school’s particular strength is enabling children to vastly exceed their CAT score predictions. Class sizes are small (1:10). SPECIALIST SUBJECTS The school’s comparatively small size means that we are able to cater for pupils who might need to re-sit GCSE examinations after Year 11, and to cater for overseas pupils who might only wish to spend a year in the UK. SPORTS The school runs a full and varied programme of Games. Girls’ Netball has been the school’s strongest sport for a number of years and many pupils, past and present, have gained international honours in a number of sports, including Rugby. EXTRA-CURRICULAR The school takes full advantage of its beautiful location and has as varied a range of activities as any school of its size. Particular emphasis is placed on service to the environment and to others. There is nearly a 100% participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in the senior school: the school’s own coastal path and woodland, and the Mourne Mountains beyond are used extensively by the school. Music and Drama are integral parts of the curriculum but are also taught individually to a large number of pupils. SPECIAL NEEDS The school’s Learning Support Department assesses each pupil’s individual needs as required and prides itself on being able to offer specialised support to most prospective pupils. FEES/BURSARIES/SCHOLARSHIPS The termly fees for 2013-14 are around £5,500 (boarding) and £3,700 (day) – considerably less than elsewhere in the UK. Various scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available. 2 major academic scholarships are awarded annually. Bursaries are available for the children of HM Forces.