We are delighted to welcome Mrs Jennifer Reid as the new Principal of The Wallace High School, effective from August 2025. A distinguished educational leader with over two decades of experience, Mrs Reid brings a proven track record in curriculum development, pastoral care, and inspiring excellence across grammar education. She will succeed the outgoing Principal, Mrs Deborah O’Hare.
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A Career Built on Excellence
Mrs Reid’s educational journey began at Antrim Grammar School, where she joined the teaching staff in 2002 as a teacher of English. Over 20 years, she developed a reputation for her unwavering commitment to student success and academic rigour. Driven by a deep commitment to her own professional growth, she successfully completed the Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH), showcasing her dedication to leadership excellence and lifelong learning. In her last five years at Antrim Grammar, she held the post of Vice-Principal. Her innovative approach to teaching and learning significantly enriched both the student experience and the wider school community.
Following her tenure at Antrim, Mrs Reid accepted a senior leadership role at Methodist College Belfast, where she served as Vice-Principal. In this role, she oversaw curriculum planning, staff development, and strategic initiatives, including student pathways and progression, and became a valued member of one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious grammar schools.
Leadership, Vision and Values
As a strategic leader, Mrs Reid demonstrates an enduring commitment to high academic standards and strong pastoral care—qualities deeply rooted in Wallace’s ethos. Her leadership style is characterised by her personal values. Her focus will be on nurturing the wider Wallace community, with a strong emphasis on the ongoing development of teaching and learning.
On her first official day as Principal, Mrs Reid hosted a Staff Community Breakfast and Welcome Back event for all Wallace staff. At this special gathering, she warmly welcomed new colleagues to the Wallace community and set out her focus for the year ahead.
A Personal Welcome
Speaking on her appointment, Mrs Reid said:
‘I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Principal of The Wallace High School. The school has a well-established reputation for nurturing the whole child, ensuring that students achieve academic excellence alongside opportunities to grow through a rich range of extra-curricular opportunities. I look forward to working in close partnership with our dedicated staff, trustees and governors and alongside parents to foster a school in which each child can thrive, discover their passions, and develop the knowledge, skills and character to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.’
Commenting on her appointment, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Neal Lucas, stated:
‘We are delighted to welcome Mrs Jennifer Reid as our new Principal. Wallace is a community where ambition is nurtured, talents are discovered and celebrated, and character is shaped for life. Mrs Reid brings vision and warmth, and will inspire our pupils to aim high, embrace challenges, and lead with kindness. We are confident that under her guidance, Wallace will continue to honour its proud traditions while writing bold new chapters for the future.’
The wider Wallace community warmly congratulates our new Principal on her appointment and wishes her every success in this exciting new chapter. Her passion for education and commitment to professional growth inspire us all, and we look forward to the positive impact her leadership will bring. As a new school year begins, we are excited to work together and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead under her guidance.
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You can explore more stories about Wallace High School via http://www.wallacehigh.org
Last modified: September 4, 2025
