Rockport School

Rockport was founded by Geoffrey Bing, in 1906, as a boys’ preparatory school and pupils were made ready for the Common Entrance examination to public schools throughout the United Kingdom. Originally with just four boys, one assistant master and a matron, the school expanded considerably during Bing’s Headship, and concerts, plays, sporting fixtures and Lough swims flourished. Rockport became a Charitable Trust in 1967, has subsequently had two Headmistresses and three Headmasters, and has grown to be a school of 200 pupils. The school became fully co-educational in 1967, and began taking pupils to the age of 16 in 1998 and to the age of 18 in 2015. New buildings and facilities have continued to be added to the Rockport estate, but the school remains very identifiable with the one established by Bing over a century ago.

Rockport boasts a unique setting on the shoreline of Belfast Lough allowing easy access to the Coastal Path which runs from Holywood to Bangor. 25 acres of woodland, grounds and sports pitches. The tarmacked area provides an all-weather playground and marked courts for tennis, netball and football.  The Sports Hall provides year-round indoor courts. There is  room for rugby, football and hockey pitches, and two cricket pitches in the summer term. The Centenary Building was opened in 2006 and houses the airy Art Studio and Gallery space, Music practice room and classrooms; while the Webb Russell room provides a space for entertaining, dramatic rehearsals, exams and meetings. The Tucker Hall houses all dramatic productions throughout the year and is School Exam Hall. The Jackson Hall in the Early Years building provides an ideal area for assemblies, gatherings, coffee mornings and can be hired out for parties. 

The school has a traditional House System which encourages healthy competition in sporting, dramatic, musical and academic activities.  All children are allocated a house (either Green or White) when they start at Rockport and which they stay with until they leave.

Rooms are warm, well-furnished and students have places to rest, study and play throughout the House ( from 6 bedded rooms, to twin rooms, to single rooms). School has a 'Home Room’ for snacks and meals and also a Common Room with sofas and television. There are similar recreational spaces on both the boys and girls corridor and there is WiFi available throughout the house.