[2] It was established in 1854 and is within the North Eastern Region of the Education Authority.

In May 2007, it was awarded Specialist Status in Languages[3] and in March 2012, it has been recognised as one of only six post-primary schools in Northern Ireland to be in the top 10% for performance at both GCSE and A-level.

The tie a pupil wears is blue with a thick yellow band pattern, and a thinner band pattern of an additional colour representing the pupil's house.

The houses and their colours are as follows: The four main sports at Belfast High are rugby, hockey, netball and cricket.

[6] Aside from the four main sports, Belfast High students take part in association football, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, basketball, badminton, athletics, tennis, softball, and power walking.