Ballyclare Secondary School - Official

09/09/2026

07/09/2026

Rachael (Year 12) proudly represented Basketball Northern Ireland after being selected for the U15 team. Over the summer, she competed in the Celtic Invitational, gaining valuable experience against high-quality opposition while showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her hard work both on and off the court.

07/09/2026

Our Parent Weekly Communication Bulletin, which is sent out each week via the SIMS Parent App, is also available on our school website under the Parents tab.
For quick and easy access, we will also share a direct link to the latest bulletin on our social media pages each week.
We hope this makes it even easier for parents and carers to keep up to date with important information, school news, key dates and upcoming events. 💙💛
https://ballyclaresecondary.co.uk/parent-weekly-communication-2/

01/09/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former pupil Ashleigh McGrugan.
Ashleigh will be remembered for her courage, her beautiful smile, and the kindness she showed to all. She touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered by our school community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

It is with the deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ashleigh McGrugan.

Ashleigh, who had been using our support services, raised an incredible £23,431 through her Dawn to Dusk fundraiser, in the hope that others could benefit from the same services that had supported her.

Ashleigh passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon. Our thoughts are with her family and all her friends – of which there are many – at this incredibly difficult time.

Even in the short time we had the privilege of knowing Ashleigh, it became clear very quickly that she was a truly special person. Selfless and caring, with a smile that could light up even the darkest of rooms, Ashleigh made a lasting impression on everyone she met including all of us here at Action Cancer House.

We will never forget that, no matter what she was going through herself, Ashleigh continued to dedicate her precious time and energy to helping others, so that Action Cancer could continue to provide vital support to those who need it.

Her kindness, generosity and incredible spirit will never be forgotten.

Our deepest condolences are with Ashleigh’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

01/09/2026

We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Jay (Year 10), who represented Linfield in the Super Cup during the summer. Demonstrating great skill, commitment and teamwork throughout the tournament, Jay helped his team secure first place in the Minors competition. We congratulate Jay on this fantastic success.

01/09/2026

We are delighted to share the remarkable achievement of past pupil Sam Russell, who has recently completed the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Rising 5,895 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and one of the world's most iconic mountains. Sam's determination, resilience and sense of adventure have culminated in this outstanding accomplishment, which we hope serves as an inspiration to our current pupils. We congratulate Sam on reaching this incredible milestone and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

27/08/2026

Today our new Year 8 students took their first steps into life at Ballyclare Secondary School bringing with them a wonderful mix of excitement, anticipation and just a few butterflies. The school was filled with energy and enthusiasm as new friendships began to form, new faces became familiar and students started to find their place within our school community.

This marked the start of an important journey, one that will be filled with learning, achievement, discovery and endless potential of the future ahead. We look forward, alongside parents and guardians, to seeing all that they will accomplish in the years to come.

25/08/2026

🚍 School Bus Service Update - Greers Corner & Watchill Road
Following discussions with contractors regarding the ongoing roadworks, school buses will be permitted access through the road closure area until works are completed on 11 September 2026.
- Normal pick-up/drop-off services will continue at Greers Corner.
- Buses can access Watchill Road from Snowy Glen Junction to Greers Corner
⚠️ Please note: Ballyvallagh Road between Castle Road and Watchill Road will remain closed to buses until the works are finished.

Although road closure signs will remain in place, school buses will be allowed through to serve their usual pick-up and drop-off points. Parents and pupils can continue to use their normal bus stops unless advised otherwise.

25/08/2026

Pupil Leadership Training Day

Yesterday we welcomed Prefects, Assistant Prefects and our Year Group Student Leaders to a dedicated Leadership Training Day in preparation for the new academic year. The programme was delivered by HIP Psychology, Lindsey Armstrong Media and Mrs Shingleton, providing pupils with valuable opportunities to develop their personal skills and capabilities, including communication, teamwork, confidence, leadership and resilience.

Through a range of engaging workshops and interactive activities, pupils were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil their important roles and responsibilities, ensuring they are ready to make a positive contribution to school life in the year ahead.