Principal – The Royal Belfast Academical Institution

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of Northern Ireland’s most distinguished schools at a time of opportunity, challenge and ambition.

For August 2026

The Board of Governors are looking to appoint an inspiring educational leader who will uphold the proud traditions of RBAI while shaping its future for generations to come.

RBAI is a voluntary grammar school in the centre of Belfast, with an excellent reputation in the city for providing a broad education for around 1,050 boys of ability, irrespective of their social or religious background. RBAI’s historic and landmark city-centre building is complemented by contemporary learning environments and excellent sports facilities.  It is one of only two “B” schools in Northern Ireland. The consequences of this are that while RBAI receives no government funding for building, it does have a fair degree of autonomy with regard to governance.

The School’s Mission statement is to offer exceptional learning and enrichment which enables every boy to flourish academically, physically and socially, and to make a positive contribution to society. It achieves this through consistently excellent teaching and learning, and an extremely strong commitment to the co-curricular programme, for which it is nationally renowned.

As Principal, you will have the privilege of guiding a dynamic school community renowned for its academic excellence, outstanding co-curricular programme and strong civic ethos. We are proud of our heritage and achievements, and we look forward to appointing a leader who will build upon these foundations with clear vision, palpable energy and unfaltering integrity.

The successful candidate will have: a proven track record of successful leadership at a senior level in education; commitment to achieving the highest standards in academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision; an inspiring presence with the ability to motivate and engage pupils, staff, parents and stakeholders; an unwavering commitment to the values of RBAI and a genuine passion for nurturing and developing young people.

If you are someone with determination, patience, compassion and humour; and a leader who strives for excellence, understands innovation and recognises progression; this may be the ideal role for you and we would be delighted to hear from, you.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handing this appointment:

Helen Flower, Search Consultant: helenflower@rsacademics.com  or

Charlotte Faber, Senior Advisor: charlottefaber@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00 am (UK) on Monday 10 November 2025.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on Apply Now and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• A completed application form
• A covering letter addressed to Michael Howard, Chair of Governors. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any queries relating to uploading your application documents, please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

The Royal Belfast Academical Institution is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure Check with AccessNI.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.