Well-known Presbyterian Church figure newest member of provincewide schools body
A well-known figure in the Presbyterian Church has become the newest member of a body that runs Northern Ireland’s schools.
Reverend Dr Colin McClure has been appointed to the board of the provincewide Education Authority, which oversees primary and secondary schools as well as youth services.
A former pupil of Royal Belfast Academical Institution who went on to Queen’s University Belfast, he first studied medicine but changed direction into policing before becoming ordained.
Minister of First Larne Presbyterian Church, Rev McClure is also Clerk of the Presbytery of Carrickfergus and over more than 30 years has been a member of boards of governors across a wide range of schools in both rural and urban settings.
He has represented the Presbyterian Church on various educational bodies, including the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, and the former Southern Education and Library Board. He has also been a director for Christian Aid and national chair of Girls Brigade Northern Ireland.
In late 2024 he was announced for a prestigious church position, Presbyterian Ecumenical Canon in the Cathedral Chapter of St Anne, Belfast.
Announcing Rev McClure’s appointment, Education Minister Paul Givan said: “His knowledge and expertise will be highly beneficial to the [Education Authority] board, as we seek to continue to progress critical transformation of teaching and learning in Northern Ireland.”
In a statement, the Department for Education predicted he would bring experience and skills in governance, strategic decision making, business planning and human resources, as well as financial and risk management in church, education, and charity settings.