RBAI
Current RBAI principal Janet Williamson
One of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious schools has named the man who will be its next principal.
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI), widely known as Inst, made the announcement this evening in a letter to parents and past pupils.
Dr Craig Walker will become Principal in August following the retirement of Janet Williamson at the end of the academic year.
Current RBAI principal Janet Williamson
RBAI
News Catch Up – Monday 5 January
The chair of RBAI’s Board of Governors, Michael Howard, said Dr Walker was “honoured” to be selected.
He said: “Dr Walker joins RBAI from Pitsford School in Northamptonshire, where he has served as Head for the past eight years.
“Prior to this, he spent 18 years at Loughborough Grammar School, progressing to the role of Deputy Headmaster. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in History from the University of Glasgow and a Doctorate from Balliol College, Oxford.
“Dr Walker said he was honoured to be selected as the next Principal of RBAI. He expressed his commitment to building upon the achievements of Janet Williamson and to working collaboratively with the school’s staff, Board of Governors, parent community, and alumni.
“He also reflected on RBAI’s identity as a multicultural, integrated grammar school dedicated to equipping young men to take their place in society.”
Mr Howard added that Dr Walker pointed to RBAI as “a distinguished school with a longstanding educational mission”.
“Dr Walker highlighted the school’s unique position in the heart of Belfast for over 200 years and the exciting plans now underway to redevelop the South Wing to provide modern and fit-for-purpose facilities,” he continued.
“Describing RBAI as an ambitious and distinguished school with a longstanding educational mission, Dr Walker conveyed his enthusiasm for joining the Inst community.”