Stephen Black to leave Ballymena Academy for senior IRFU role

Mr Stephen Black

One of Northern Ireland’s best-known school principals is set to leave his post at Ballymena Academy later this year after accepting a new position within the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

Mr Stephen Black will step down as Principal of Ballymena Academy on 31 August 2026, bringing to an end a 12-year leadership period which saw the school maintain strong academic performance while further developing its sporting and co-curricular reputation.

The announcement was confirmed to parents in a letter issued by Chair of Governors Dr David J Johnson on behalf of the Board of Governors.

The move marks a significant leadership change for one of Northern Ireland’s largest and most prominent grammar schools, while also strengthening the connection between local education leadership and Irish rugby administration.

Board confirms leadership transition

In his letter to parents, Dr Johnson said Mr Black would leave Ballymena Academy “to take up a position within the IRFU with effect from 31st August 2026.”

He described Mr Black’s contribution to the school as “exemplary”, praising both his educational leadership and his long-term commitment to pupils and staff.

Dr Johnson wrote:

“Stephen has had an exceptional career in education and leadership and over the last 12 years his commitment and dedication to this school has been exemplary.

“Under his headship, academic performance has been improved and maintained at a high level, as has the range and standards of co-curricular activities, ensuring this school gives every pupil the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“He leaves a rich legacy of achievement.”

The Board of Governors also confirmed that recruitment for a new Principal will now begin.

In the interim, Mr Richard Ross will become Acting Principal from 1 September 2026 until a permanent successor takes up the post.

Strong links to rugby administration

While widely recognised across Ballymena for his leadership in education, Mr Black has also been heavily involved in rugby administration at provincial and national level for many years.

According to the IRFU website, he has held numerous senior positions within the game, both through Ulster Rugby and the wider IRFU structure.

A member of Malone RFC, Mr Black previously served as:

• 1st XV Team Manager

• Chairman of Rugby

• Club President during the 2003/2004 season

Beyond club rugby, he has also represented school leadership within Ulster Rugby structures and has played a role in shaping aspects of the domestic and schools game.

The IRFU states that Mr Black has served as the Principals’ representative on the Ulster Branch during his time leading Ballymena Academy.

He has also:

• chaired the Schools Committee

• chaired the Rugby Committee

• served on various review groups relating to domestic rugby and player pathways

• previously chaired the Schools Committee and Age-Grade Committee at national level

Mr Black was elected to the IRFU Committee in 2019 and is currently Chair of the Rugby Committee as well as a member of the Management Committee.

End of a major chapter for Ballymena Academy

Mr Black became Principal of Ballymena Academy in 2014 and has overseen the school during a period of continued academic success and high participation in sport, music and wider school activities.

His departure represents a major moment of change for the Ballymena school community, particularly given his long-standing visibility within both education and rugby circles across Northern Ireland.

The Board of Governors said there would be an opportunity at a later date to “more fully reflect” on Mr Black’s contribution and service to the school.

With recruitment now due to begin, attention will turn to who will eventually take over leadership of the historic Ballymena grammar school as it enters its next chapter.