Ballyclare High School has launched its new Alumni Business Network, marking a significant milestone in the school’s growing programme of alumni engagement.
The event, which took place at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, courtesy of school Governor and Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA, brought together former pupils from across business, professional services, public life and the wider school community to celebrate the strength of the school’s alumni connections and look ahead to the network’s future ambitions.
The Ballyclare High School Alumni Business Network builds on the success of the school’s inaugural Alumni Business Breakfast, held in November 2025, which demonstrated strong appetite among past pupils for a more structured platform for professional connection, mentoring and long-term engagement with the school.
Principal Dr Michelle Rainey said the official launch represented an important moment for the school and its alumni.
“Ballyclare High School has always been proud of its pupils, not only during their time at school but throughout the many different paths they go on to follow. The launch of the Alumni Business Network gives us a meaningful way to celebrate the achievements of our past pupils while creating opportunities for them to remain connected to the life and future of the school.
“Our alumni have an enormous amount to offer, whether through professional insight, mentoring, practical support or simply by showing current pupils what is possible. This network will help us bring those connections together in a more purposeful and lasting way.”
Sandara Kelso-Robb MBE, Head of Alumni Relations and herself a Ballyclare High alumnus, said the launch marked the next stage in developing a more active and connected alumni community.
“The enthusiasm we saw at our first Alumni Business Breakfast made it clear that there was a real appetite for a structured Ballyclare High School Alumni Business Network. This launch is an important step in turning that ambition into reality.
“We want the network to celebrate the successes of Ballyclare High alumni while also creating opportunities for mentoring, partnerships and long-term connection with the school community. It is about building a tradition of professional alumni engagement that will benefit past pupils, current pupils and future generations of Ballyclare High students.”
Past pupil and entrepreneur Mervyn McCall MBE said the network reflected the enduring strength of the Ballyclare High community and its commitment to supporting the school’s future.
“The launch of the Ballyclare High School Alumni Business Network is a very positive development for the school and for its wider community. It brings together people who share a strong connection to Ballyclare High and who want to see the school continue to thrive.
“This network has the potential to make a real difference by opening doors, sharing experience and helping young people understand the range of opportunities available to them. It also gives alumni a practical and meaningful way to give back to the school that helped shape them.”
The Alumni Business Network will now provide a platform for future professional events, sector-specific engagement, mentoring opportunities and initiatives designed to connect alumni with current pupils and the school’s wider strategic priorities.
To learn more about Alumni Relations at Ballyclare High School, contact sandara@ballyclarehighfoundation.co.uk.