Methodist College Belfast

Methodist College Belfast, or Methody as the College is commonly known, is one of Northern Ireland's leading grammar schools, with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and an impressive record of achievement in music, drama and sport.

Interdenominational since its foundation in 1865 and co-educational within months of its opening in 1868, the College is proud of the continued growth in the diversity of its pupils, both past and present, and will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2018.

Methodist College has a long tradition of commitment to pastoral care, and places great emphasis on the moral and social welfare of its pupils in addition to their intellectual, physical and cultural development.

Founded by the Methodist Church in 1865 the College is a non-denominational, co-educational grammar school, where pupils of all faiths and none are welcomed into a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

We aim to provide equal opportunities for all and the diverse talents of each of our pupils are appreciated, nurtured and celebrated. The development of intellectual curiosity, critical debate, active and independent learning, and the pursuit of excellence are all valued.

Through the pursuit of curricular and extra-curricular activities we support and promote our belief in the importance of developing the whole child. Our pupils are encouraged to be enthusiastic, confident and tolerant young people, who have respect for themselves and for others.

At Methodist College we seek to:

• Challenge, inspire and support our pupils as individuals to grow intellectually, personally and spiritually, and to achieve their potential;
• Promote high academic standards and the development of diverse skills and capabilities through a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities;
• Encourage a questioning approach which searches for truth through reason, research and debate based on freedom of thought and expression;
• Encourage creativity as a way of nurturing the human spirit and improving the quality of life;
• Work for the benefit of the school and the local community, while promoting the concept of service to all communities, national and international;
• Encourage environmental awareness, recognising our responsibility for the welfare of the planet;
• Prepare our pupils to be responsible citizens and leaders, who respect the value of cultural diversity and our common humanity in a fast-changing and complex world;
• Promote social justice and to counter prejudice and intolerance by encouraging mutual respect and understanding;
• Provide opportunities for pupils to work together to develop an understanding of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, recognition and renewal in order that individuals, communities and society may flourish;
• Recognise that learning is a life-long process by which we seek to gain not only qualifications but also humility and wisdom.