After 16 years of dedicated service, Mrs Deborah O’Hare will retire as Principal of The Wallace High School at the end of this academic year. Her tenure has been marked by visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to educational excellence, and a profound impact on the school community.
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Appointed in 2009, Mrs O’Hare returned to her hometown of Lisburn to lead Wallace High School, bringing with her a wealth of experience from previous roles, including Principal of Portadown College and Vice-Principal at Antrim Grammar School. Her leadership has been characterised by a steadfast dedication to the school’s core values established by her predecessor, Mrs McBride. These values are Commitment, Opportunity, Respect, and Excellence. These principles have been the cornerstone of her approach, fostering a nurturing and aspirational environment for both students and staff.
Leading in Academic and Extracurricular Success
Under Mrs O’Hare’s guidance, Wallace High School has achieved remarkable academic success, consistently ranking among Northern Ireland’s top-performing grammar schools. She has championed a holistic educational philosophy, emphasising the importance of pastoral care, extracurricular engagement, and the development of transversal skills to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. She was instrumental in the introduction of iPads to Wallace, as well as overseeing the construction of our School Enhancement Project. She has been a committed supporter of extracurricular sports, evidenced by the development of a new AstroTurf pitch and a state of the art strength and conditioning suite.
Leading in Sustainability
A notable highlight of her tenure is the initiation of “Project Refresh,” a comprehensive sustainability programme aimed at reducing the school’s carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship. This initiative reflects her commitment to integrating eco-conscious practices into the educational framework, ensuring that Wallace High School not only educates but also inspires responsible global citizens. Her mantra has been ‘Wallace is a living classroom’ and should serve as an inspiration for students.
Reflections
Reflecting on her time as Principal of Wallace, Mrs O’Hare commented:
“This role has never been a job. It has been a vocation, a calling, and an absolute privilege. A Wallace education is about forming character, forging friendships, and discovering who you are and what you might become. As Principal, it has been a privilege beyond words to see those transformations happen. Watching Year 8s become confident Sixth Formers, then eloquent, purposeful alumni—that is the real reward.
Our young people leave us as thoughtful, articulate, happy individuals—future leaders, problem solvers, and influencers. I like to think that the foundations we build here give them the courage to step forward, to challenge norms, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. I step away with a full heart and a thousand memories—of laughter in the staffroom, of emotional sporting finals, of beaming students walking across the stage proud of their achievements, and the countless ordinary moments that made up an extraordinary 16 years.”
Mrs O’Hare’s influence extends beyond the school premises. She has been instrumental in fostering strong community ties, enhancing the school’s reputation, and establishing partnerships that have enriched the educational experience for all students.
Reflecting on her departure from Wallace, Mr Neal Lucas, Chair of the Board of Governors, shared:
“Mrs Deborah O’Hare’s tenure as Principal of Wallace High School has been transformative. She has led with clarity, determination and has been an extremely effective leader. Under her stewardship, the school has flourished – academically, pastorally, and culturally.
Mrs O’Hare’s reputation and professional credibility extended beyond our school gates and brought opportunities, such as Project Refresh, which is transforming our facilities and will have a positive impact on the school for decades to come.
She never settled for ‘good enough’ and our young people and wider school community are better for it. She leaves with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Wider Wallace Community
As Mrs O’Hare prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life in the wider educational arena, the entire Wallace High School community extends heartfelt gratitude for her exceptional leadership and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavours.
You can find out more about Project Refresh below:
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Last modified: June 24, 2025
