Ian Williamson has been Principal of Ballycastle High School since 2010 and throughout that period has helped to sustain and build on the model of Shared Education, which operates between Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion college.

He continues to advocate for and promote a model of Shared Education which has been built on trusted relationships and which has been nurtured in an organic way, over a period of several decades. With their joint curriculum at Key Stages 4 and 5 and strong pastoral connections, this partnership is testament to the power of mutual respect, inclusion, and innovation in education.

This long-standing collaborative partnership has moved to a new phase over the period of the last ten years, with an innovative landmark project. This £72 million investment in a new shared campus in Ballycastle, sees both schools retaining their ethos, identity and governance arrangements and benefiting from a new state-of-art facility. Phase 1 of the project will be completed in June 2026, with both schools set to relocate for the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year. This new learning environment will not only enhance educational provision but also serve as an example for the potential of shared education across Northern Ireland.