Alumni Business Network

Past meets present as Ballyclare High alumni reconnect through new business network

Ballyclare High School has marked a new chapter in its history with the launch of its inaugural Alumni Business Breakfast, designed to reconnect and engage former pupils working across the business and professional sectors.

The event, held at the Belfast head office of leading law firm Tughans, brought together alumni from a wide range of industries to network, share experiences and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

The event provided a platform for attendees to hear from past pupils, as well as learn more about the Ballyclare High Foundation and its growing programme of initiatives to strengthen the school’s alumni network. In addition to Tughans, it was supported by professional services firm Deloitte, global advisory firm Consello and digital content company eightyfive90.

Principal Dr Michelle Rainey described the event as an important step in fostering lifelong connections between the school and its alumni:

“Ballyclare High School has a proud tradition of nurturing young people who go on to make a real difference in their professions and communities. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those achievements and to strengthen the ties that connect our school across generations. We are immensely proud of the impact our alumni continue to have locally and globally, and we look forward to building on this success by creating more opportunities for meaningful engagement and collaboration.

“The success of the Alumni Business Breakfast reflects the school’s broader commitment to showcasing the influence of its alumni and encouraging stronger intergenerational support between former and current pupils.”

Sandara Kelso-Robb MBE, Head of Alumni Relations and herself a Ballyclare High alumnus, said the enthusiasm from participants demonstrated the appetite for a more formal alumni network.

“This event will hopefully mark the beginning of a more structured alumni business network, one that celebrates the successes of Ballyclare High alumni while creating opportunities for mentoring, partnerships and long-term connection with the school community. We want this to be the start of a new tradition of professional alumni events, where past pupils can share expertise, support one another and contribute to the continued success of Ballyclare High.”

Michael McKinstry, another alumnus and Chair of the Ballyclare High Foundation, spoke of the Foundation’s achievements to date and its ongoing mission:

“The Ballyclare High Foundation exists to ensure the school continues to thrive and evolve, providing opportunities that enhance the educational and personal development of every pupil. Through the generosity and engagement of our alumni and supporters, we have been able to contribute to a range of initiatives that enrich school life and expand horizons.

“The Alumni Business Breakfast aligns with our goal of connecting people who share a pride in Ballyclare High and a desire to give back. We see enormous potential in building a strong professional network that can inspire current pupils and support the school’s future ambitions.”

Rebecca Moffett, Partner at Tughans, said supporting the event was a natural fit for the firm’s values.

“At Tughans, we believe in investing in the next generation of leaders and professionals. Supporting Ballyclare High School’s inaugural Alumni Business Breakfast aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing future talent and strengthening links between education and the business community.

“As one of Northern Ireland’s leading law firms, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to explore their potential, connect with role models and build networks that can shape their future careers. It has been a pleasure to help launch an initiative that celebrates success while inspiring the next generation.”

Ballyclare High School officially launches new Alumni Business Network

Ballyclare High School has officially 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.