Banbridge Academy was honoured to welcome Mr David McCorkell KStJ, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, to the school for a special visit.  The Lord-Lieutenant was received by the Academy Principal, Mr Robin McLoughlin OBE, alongside senior colleagues and the school’s Senior Prefects.

During his visit, the Lord-Lieutenant took the opportunity to tour the school’s facilities and engage in a wide-ranging conversation with students and staff.  A key highlight of the visit was a discussion regarding the school’s connection to the Cadets.  As the Honorary Colonel of the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, Mr McCorkell shared his extensive insights into the value of the Cadet movement in developing leadership, discipline, and community spirit among young people.

The Senior Prefects enjoyed a unique opportunity to speak with the Lord-Lieutenant about their roles within the school and their future aspirations. The visit underscored the importance of service and leadership, values that are central to the ethos of Banbridge Academy.

Mr McLoughlin, expressed his gratitude for the visit:

“It was a tremendous privilege to host the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim.  We are very grateful to Mr McCorkell for his time and for the inspiring conversations he held with our pupils.  His passion for youth development and his encouragement of our students’ leadership journey was greatly appreciated by the entire school community.”