Admissions Criteria
The Wallace High School (“the School”) is a co-educational, non-denominational Voluntary Grammar School situated in a peaceful tree lined avenue in a residential area of Lisburn. It was founded in 1880 by a bequest from the estate of Sir Richard Wallace, local landowner and MP, as the Lisburn Intermediate and University School and was renamed in 1942 in memory of its founder. The School has a rich history and is proud its reputation and the successes of generations of young people.
A programme of continuing development has ensured that well resourced teaching areas and excellent sports facilities are provided for our 1160 pupils. The School prides itself on its pleasant, modern environment which is conducive to learning. ICT is valued as an important tool to support and extend learning. To this end, an extensive wireless network, intranet and digital technology add an extra dimension to the work of the School.
Our main aim is to enable pupils and staff to develop their talents to the full, within a caring environment in which they feel secure and valued. Pastoral care is at the heart of our community and each young person is valued. Young people are encouraged to set themselves, and achieve, realistic but stretching targets. Success is valued and celebrated through a variety of pupil-centred reward systems.
Pupils are prepared for GCSE examinations and the majority stay on to complete two years of A’ level study in the Sixth Form before proceeding to higher or further education. GCSE and A’ Level results are well above the Northern Ireland average for grammar schools.
The partnership between home and school is pivotal to the success and well-being of our young people. Consequently, parents are kept regularly informed of progress through informal contact, reports and Parents’ Meetings. This support for our young people is complemented by a high quality, comprehensive careers information and guidance service.
Parents are also encouraged to become more active members of the school community by joining our successful and vibrant Parent Teachers’ Association. An Old Girls’ Association is also active and these two wider community groups are invaluable in supporting the work of the School.
Through our pastoral and academic systems young people are challenged academically and supported. They are encouraged to be involved in a wide variety of life-enriching, extra-curricular activities. The School has a proud history of individuals and teams winning elite competitions and gaining representative honours. Equally recreational involvement is valued and celebrated as young people are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles. As proud ambassadors of our School all pupils are expected to wear school uniform and maintain the highest standard of appearance.
With such a wealth of opportunities from which to avail, pupils are encouraged to give back to the local and global community through community service and charitable giving.
The School has an intake of 170 pupils into Year 8. The strong effective pastoral system with its Heads and Assistant Heads of Year ensures that individual pupils benefit from the support and guidance of their Class Tutor who monitors academic progress and general welfare. From the very first day of Induction pupils know to whom to turn if they have difficulties or questions. Pupil mentoring is a key part of the Induction programme. Experienced, trained and responsible senior pupils work closely with junior pupils to support them, provide them with a point of contact in the pupil body and help them settle into grammar school life.
As the School is a voluntary grammar school, a mandatory capital fee of £140 per annum is currently charged. This is reduced to £70 for the third and subsequent children in a family. This money is used to help finance new school buildings and equipment. Parents are asked to make an additional voluntary contribution of between £80 and £500 to support whole school initiatives and general upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The School’s “Charges and Remissions Policy” outlines optional extras of which parents may avail for their children.
Oversubscription Explanation 2024-25
Claiming Special Circumstances – A guide for Parents
