Enduring
Excellence
Honouring Our Past, Creating Our Future
At the formal opening of the school in 1814, one of the founders, Dr. William Drennan, declared that its primary purpose was 'to diffuse useful knowledge, particularly among the middling orders of society, as one of the necessities rather than of the luxuries of life.'
Over 200 years later, RBAI remains at the forefront of education in Northern Ireland, delivering an educational experience which prepares young men to fulfil their potential, regardless of race, religion or socio-economic background. Through an ambitious academic development plan, RBAI is shaping future leaders and innovators who will make a positive contribution to society.
To ensure RBAI continues to provide a first-class educational environment in the heart of Belfast and an education which remains accessible to all, the Board of Governors is committing £20m over five years to fund a transformative bursary programme and a new South Wing for the campus, which constitutes the largest capital investment in the history of the School.
At a pivotal moment in our history, the support of alumni, parents and friends of the School will be critical, helping us raise £2.5m to fund Transformative Bursaries and The South Wing.
Watch The Campaign Launch Event
The launch event on 7 November 2025 saw Convenor of the RBAI Foundation, Jim Rutherford, moderate a fire side chat with Michael Howard, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Principal Janet Williamson and Conservation Architect & RBAI Governor Dawson Stelfox MBE.
The conversation addressed the School's vision for the future, the significance of the South Wing, and the impact transformative bursaries have on the future trajectory of pupils from less advantaged backgrounds.