History

History of Inchmarlo

Inchmarlo inspires boys through academic excellence, outdoor learning, creativity, and strong values in supportive surroundings.

The Preparatory School of RBAI, named ‘Inchmarlo,’ was founded in 1917 at 106 Marlborough Park North, Belfast, following the closure of Inst’s boarding houses.

The first Headmaster was John Seymour, an RBAI alumnus, who developed the school and presided over its move in 1935 to the larger ‘Stirling House’ in Cranmore Park.

The school kept the name Inchmarlo, while the original building became ‘The Red House.’


Timeline

Follow the milestones and moments that tell our story.

The Preparatory School of RBAI, named 'Inchmarlo,' was founded in 1917 at 106 Marlborough Park North, Belfast, following the closure of Inst's boarding houses.

The first Headmaster was John Seymour, an RBAI alumnus, who developed the school and presided over its move in 1935 to the larger 'Stirling House' in Cranmore Park. The school kept the name Inchmarlo, while the original building became 'The Red House.'

Mr. Seymour retired in 1947, and the school has since been led by five other headteachers:

Edgar Lockett (1947–1970)

Brian McMahon (1970–1992)

Alan Armstrong (1992–2015)

Andy Smyth (2015–2022)

Andrea Morwood (2022-2025)

Peter Moreland (2025-Current)

In 2017 the school celebrated its centenary. Old boys travelled from far and wide to revisit their fondly remembered school and view the decade themed display put on by the school’s current pupils.

We held our first ever Inchmarlo alumni reunion where old boys from the 1950s onwards gathered at Inchmarlo to reminisce.

Our vision is that Inchmarlo empowers boys to embrace learning and achieve their personal best. It fosters an environment of respect, diversity and resilience, all while reflecting a passionate commitment to academic excellence.

News

7th January, 2026

Carol Service

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5th January, 2026

Roots of Empathy

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26th November, 2025

Mr Moreland Rewards Half-Term Winners with Hot Ch...

Every class teacher nominated a boy from their class who had shown our values of respect, participation and effort. To celebrate this outstanding effort and achievement, Mr Moreland treated our […]

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