About Us
About
Established over 75 years ago, during a time of significant change to the delivery of educational provision in Northern Ireland, the Governing Bodies Association remains the representative organization of voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland and continues to play an influential role in the educational field in general.
Objectives
To promote, foster and develop close working relationships amongst voluntary grammar schools and other educational bodies
To promote, foster and develop close working relationships amongst voluntary grammar schools and other educational bodies
Voluntary Grammar Schools
Although member schools are different in age, size and
composition, they share important characteristics in common, they are the employers of all members of staff and responsible for entering contracts, arranging services, ordering materials and equipment, insuring and protecting members of staff, buildings, facilities and equipment, dealing with financial issues as they arise, undertaking the duties described in the foundation documents as well as carrying out all the statutory duties and responsibilities demanded of other grant aided schools.
The fact that governing bodies are the managing authorities of the schools and required by their foundation documents to
promote the values on which they are based gives them a
profound sense of trusteeship and engagement. Governors are closely and directly involved in both the business and the
fundamental values and principles of their schools and are more directly accountable for what happens in them.
A Voluntary Grammar school has a larger degree of autonomy in terms of the governance of its’ school, than other sectors. Because the governors of voluntary schools are individually and collectively accountable for the management of their schools’ finances they monitor the use of available resources carefully, to use funds to the best effect.
Governing Bodies in the Voluntary Sector can and do act quickly to respond to changing circumstances. Because of the degree of autonomy enjoyed as employers, managers of their own resources and local, close engagement with their schools, they are well aware of the implications of proposed changes and well equipped to respond swiftly and flexibly.
Membership
The GBA is open to all Voluntary Grammars throughout Northern Ireland, valuing member schools as they provide a world-class education for approximately one third of all post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland. The close working relationship with our members has allowed us to continue to build on cross-community links in education, drawing members from both the Catholic and non-denominational sectors.
What we do
The GBA pro-actively engages with other educational partners in Northern Ireland including the Department of Education, the Education Authority, other sectoral organisations, and Universities.
We provide policy information, advice and support for member schools as well as representing their views to politicians, policy-makers, media and other stakeholders.
Executive
Committee
Executive Committee
The GBA Executive Committee operates in a voluntary capacity for a three year term. Committee members are drawn from the Boards of Governors of their constituent schools and meet on a voluntary basis every 4-6 weeks.
Co-opted members are added as and when required, bringing additional professional skills, experience and expertise to the work of the board.
The Officers of the Executive including the Chair (serving two years) Vice-Chairs (incoming and outgoing) and Treasurer, is advised and serviced by a Director who also performs the day-to-day functions of the organisation.
Chairperson
Leo O’Reilly
Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
Vice Chairperson
Ronnie Hassard
Campbell College
Vice Chairperson
Jacqueline Weir
Belfast Royal Academy
Treasurer
Teresa Campbell
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Members
Stephen Black
Ballymena Academy
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Professor John Gillespie
Dalriada School
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Stephen Gowdy
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution
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Dr Paul Blair
Bangor Grammar School
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Sir Gerry Loughran
St Malachy’s College
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Dermot Mullan
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Jacqui O’Neill
St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena
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Terry McDaid
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School
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Jacinta Bradley
Lumen Christi College
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Rosemary Bailie
Strathearn School
Chief Executive Officer
Nuala O’Neill
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Schools’ Support Officer
Dr Helen McNally
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Administrative Officer
Debbie Broadhurst
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Latest GBANI News
GBA present to Education Committee
The GBA have presented to the Education Committee on the Education Bill. To view the Hansard click here. Our position paper can also be accessed
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Governing Bodies Association (NI)
First Floor, Main Building, Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Rd, Belfast, BT9 5DY