Fullerton House
The history of Fullerton House is intricately linked to the foundation of Methodist College.
The name 'Fullerton House' was officially established with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on November 29, 1951. The institution began its journey at 11 College Gardens, Belfast, when the Governors of the College acquired the premises in 1950, leading to the decision to honour Mr W. L. Fullerton with its name.
The origins of Fullerton House can be traced back to the first prospectus issued on August 18, 1868, which articulated the school's mission to provide education for boys of all ages, starting from early childhood.
“The Preparatory School will consist of two classes:
- The Kindergarten, which will be under the care of a lady, fully qualified and trained. This class is intended for boys of from six to seven years of age…
- The Upper Class of the Preparatory School will embrace boys of from seven to nine years of age…. NO boy will be permitted to rise from this class to the Intermediate Division of the School, without passing a satisfactory examination.”
Initially conceived as a boys-only institution, a significant meeting of the Committee of Management (Board of Governors) in 1868 resulted in the agreement to open classes for ladies and that girls could be admitted to Kindergarten. Insights into school life during this period were shared by Mr J. Davidson Prenter, the President of the Old Boys’ Association, who recalled influential figures such as Miss Goodacre, who led the Kindergarten. His observations were particularly noteworthy, as the definitive list of female students and staff only dates back to 1871, despite the presence of girls in the school since its inception.
Since its establishment in 1868, a preparatory department has been integrated into the college's main buildings. It was officially designated as Fullerton House in 1951, in recognition of the late W.M. Fullerton DL, who served as chair of Methodist College Belfast, Board of Governors.
From 1951 onwards, the history of Fullerton House evolved further into that of a fully-fledged primary school, characterised by it’s own unique ethos and a remarkable track record of success in attracting pupils. Demand consistently exceeded the number of available places, and the school served as a practical training ground for students from Stranmillis College and Queen’s University Education, similar to Downey House.
In 1964, the Governors embraced a proposal by Methodist College Belfast's Principal, Mr Worrall, to reconstruct the Kindergarten to the Lisburn Road, end of the College grounds, marking the first phase of a revitalised Preparatory School. This initiative coincided with significant developments in the main grammar school, including new Science laboratories, Art rooms, and a basement swimming pool, which Fullerton House would later use as part of it’s Physical Education programme. By 1968, the successful transition to the new facility was complete, further enhancing the educational experience for it’s current and future students.
The current building was inaugurated in 1975 at the Lisburn Road end of the Methodist College campus, with its original location situated in the vestibule of 11 College Gardens, Belfast. Fullerton House proudly embraces the motto 'Veritate Principio,' signifying its unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence in Education.
The growth of Fullerton House carried on a pace during the 60s and 70s and by 1982 there were 339 pupils enrolled in the school.
Mr Frazer Thompson was appointed the Head of Fullerton House in 1975 and during his early years the school won the Ulster Primary Schools Mini Rugby Shield. The school community went from strength to strength and with an active Parent-Teacher Association and numerous school trips, life in Fullerton House flourished.
Mr Thompson left in the late 80s and was succeeded by Mr Ian Johnston, who was not only a past pupil but also a teacher in the PE Department in the Senior School. Along with a very committed staff the development of the school continued. He retired in 2006.
Mr Alan Jennings took over in 2007 and further enhanced the educational provision of the school by opening the Pre-Prep in 2010, this has proved extremely popular, and the Pre-Prep is now well over subscribed. The redevelopment of the infant playground, along with a new library were certainly landmarks during Mr Jennings’s tenure.
Methodist College is relaunching its House System which will be rolled out to the Preparatory Department in September 2025. It is fitting that as we move towards our new Methody Prep that we remember all the pupils and the staff who have contributed to the success of Fullerton House and the origins of its name. The name will be celebrated in the House System with the blue house being named Fullerton House and will be represented by the bell. Watch our video below to find out more about the history.