The Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was significantly constrained by industrial action, as teachers refused to cooperate with the process. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to evaluate the quality of learning and teaching or assure stakeholders of the education provided. The school is designated as a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• Pupils spoke with pride about the “sense of community within their school.”
• Students valued the “careers information, advice and guidance activities” which assist in planning future subject combinations.
• Older pupils reported benefits from a “research- informed ‘well- being profiler’ survey,” helping them balance personal development with academic progress.
• Pupils stated they feel safe and are aware of procedures to report concerns about their safety or well-being.

Areas to improve

• The report does not identify specific areas for improvement because the ETI was “unable to evaluate” any line of inquiry or classroom teaching due to non-cooperation.
• The school must undergo a future inspection to allow the ETI to assure parents of the quality of education.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” though the ETI could not fully evaluate their implementation due to the industrial action.