Students are at the heart of everything we do at Ballakermeen and one of the many strengths of the school is that they are treated as individuals. There are almost 1500 students aged 11 – 18. We have always grown our own leaders, preferring to recruit NQTs, and providing a rigorous and supportive professional development programme.
Our facilities are outstanding and include a swimming pool, sports hall, extensive ICT suites, laboratories and a theatre. A stunning three storey extension has enhanced our Sixth Form and dining facilities.
Our aim is to bring out the best in students in terms of academic achievement, personal development, courtesy, behaviour and support for others. We enjoy a strong reputation for high academic achievement, excellent pastoral care, and a proud record in sport and the arts. We are a close-knit community where many kinds of success are celebrated and every individual is valued.
Examination results are important and Ballakermeen students consistently achieve better results than comparable schools in England. We have a full complement of specialist teaching staff and a superb team of support staff, who give generously of their time. There are many after school clubs, residential trips and highly acclaimed school productions.
Ballakermeen has a well established relationship with our partner school No 1 School, Liuyang in China. Our Confucius Classroom, the first in the Crown Dependencies, opened in July 2015, offering Mandarin lessons to all schools and our island community.
A very positive relationship exists between school and our parents. Quite simply, we are passionate about learning and about helping our students to make the most of their time with us.
Staff profiles
Gerard Murphy - Teacher of Social Sciences
What do you like about working at your school?
What I like most about working at Ballakermeen is that the school is driven by a spirit of encouragement and a “can-do” attitude, not only from management but throughout the entire school community. Ballakermeen is a truly enjoyable workplace where everyone’s opinion is listened to, encouraged and respected.
How have you been supported since joining your school?
Since the first day I arrived here the support has been amazing from the most genuine welcome I received from Adrienne our head teacher to my own head of department Andy and all the other staff. Office staff were truly brilliant in helping me settle in very quick by organising accommodation for me to stay in when I arrived. Overall the school make relocating to the Isle of Man a very easy and stress free experience.
What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at your school?
Watching students learn and develop and working to the highest of their potential on a daily basis is something every teacher is proud of. Also in my role as head of Maughold house we managed to raise over £2000 for the local anaphylaxis association.
What are the students like to work with?
The students are most respectful, ambitious and a pleasure to work with. Coming from a school of similar size in England, Ballakermeen is like paradise to me!
What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?
Being from Ireland I decided to get involved with the local GAA club where I have managed to recruit a number of our student for training. Whatever your interests are however, Ballakermeen offers you plenty of opportunities to get involved in extra- curricular activities such as football, rugby, basketball, netball, athletics, music and drama
How have you been developed professionally?
Six months into my role at Ballakermmen I was appointed head of Maughold house. This was a huge achievement and confidence booster for my continued role within the school.Professional development is best done in situ i.e. on the job training and with colleagues from your own and other departments which comes in abundance at Ballakermeen. There is also a link now for professional and management courses between the mainland and the island which provides the best of both worlds.
What support do you get?
As well as all the support you receive from your school the Isle of Man government are very supportive to people relocating to the island by very generous tax and relocation incentives.
What professional development and career opportunities do you think will be open in the future?
At Ballakermeen your professional development and career opportunities are endless. Staff at the school are constantly being promoted and encouraged to take up new positions that suit them best, whether it’s the route of management, pastoral or within your own department there is plenty to choose from.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of relocating to the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man is one of the few “stress free zones” left on the planet. A perfect place to work, relax and take in the important things in life. Don’t think twice!!
What is the best thing about living on the Isle of Man?
By living on the Isle of Man your “work-life” balance is very achievable. Ballakermeen and the Isle of Man are a hidden gem in the middle of the Irish Sea which is inhabited by welcoming people, stunning views and within easy accessibility to Ireland and the UK. You will always have something to do throughout the week and especially at the weekends.. But shhhhhh it’s supposed to be a secret!!
