School principals are full of praise for local students while paying thanks for support

School principals are full of praise for local students while paying thanks for support

28 August 2024

PUPILS at local schools were celebrating last week after receiving their GCSE results. 

Schools reported outstanding results, despite a fall in the percentage of people receiving top GCSE grades across the province.

Irrespective of this, principals were full of praise for their students and also paid tribute to the support shown by teachers and parents.

Assumption Grammar

At Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, 96.4% of students achieved five or more grades at A*-C. 

Almost 48% of all grades awarded at Assumption were Grade A or better, with 28 girls achieving nine or more A*-A grades.

School principal Mr Peter Dobbin, praised the determination and resilience of the students.

“We have a unique school community here at Assumption and I am delighted that the hard work of the pupils, teachers and parents has paid dividends,” he said.

“Our Assumption girls have overcome various challenges to achieve at the highest academic levels and have done so while excelling in an array of extra-curricular activities, with our musicians preparing for the annual Waterfront Concert, our athletes reaching finals in camogie and rugby, and our thespians preparing for our upcoming production of ‘Into the Woods.’

“I very much look forward to welcoming them, along with our new students, to our sixth form in the coming days.”

Down High

Down High School pupils arrived earlyon Thursday to collect their GCSE results. 

There was a palpable sense of delight and relief as they opened their results to reveal another very impressive collection of grades.  

A total of 33 pupils gained nine or more A* or A grades with 25 achieving straight A* or A grades. 

Iona Dempsey secured 10A* grades while Jacob Bradshaw, Evie Cushnie, Abigail Elliott, Zoe Goucher, Isla Kennedy and Darragh McAllister secured 9A* and an A.

Within the year group 56.7% of all GCSE grades were A* or A grades with one hundred percent of pupils achieving A*-C grades in GCSE Maths with 99% achieving A*-C in English. One hundred per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* - C grades overall.

Down High principal Mrs Maud Perry lauded the year group for their effort levels and the impressive results they had achieved, particularly given some of the challenges faced on their educational journey.

“Once again, we are very proud of our pupils, and they are to be congratulated for their dedication and effort which firmly underpin these superb results,” she said.

“On behalf of the pupils, I also thank our committed teachers and support staff whose dedication creates the environment in which the school community can thrive. We wish our new Year 13 pupils, and those who joined our enlarged sixth form over the past few days, every success as they move into their A-Level years.”

St Patrick’s Grammar

For St Patrick’s Grammar School, students received the last ever set of GCSE results, thus drawing the curtain on the school’s 90-year history.

The principal, Mr Joe McCann, said he was delighted that Year 12 students achieved results that will empower them to continue their studies at Lecale Trinity Grammar School, or move onto new and exciting opportunities in other institutions, apprenticeships or the world of work. 

He paid tribute to what he described as the “unique partnership between teachers, pupils and parents that has been the bedrock of the success enjoyed over 90 years; regrettably a partnership that now comes to an end”.

He concluded by wishing “every success and blessing to those entrusted to lead a new chapter of reimagined educational opportunity for the community of East Down”, encouraging the students to embrace the change with confidence in their ability to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to the local and wider community.

De La Salle High

At De La Salle High School in Downpatrick, which is also to close, almost 87% of students achieved five and above GCSEs A*-C grades.

The principal Mr Ciaran Maguire said he was delighted to see the students excited about their results which give them a chance to pursue their dreams.

“De La Salle High School has served all of its pupils well, not just this year, but since it first open its doors, to the young men of Downpatrick and beyond,” he said. 

“We continue to deliver on the promise of St John Baptist to provide a high quality education, with excellent outcomes for young men throughout our school community.

“I know as we move into a new era of Lecale Trinity Grammar, the continued work ethic and ethos of De La Salle staff will serve the pupils of the new school well.”

Saintfield High

At Saintfield High School, 66% of students achieved five or more GCSE grades at A*-C, including English and Mathematics, with 81% of students achieving grades A*-C in maths and 80% of students achieving A*-C in English Language. Top achievers for 2024 were Ocean Webster and Anna Sloss.

The principal, Ms Sarah-Lucy Hynds said: “Every single one of our pupils must be commended for all of their hard work and perseverance over the last two academic years…the wonderful results achieved by our Year 12 students who left us in June were extremely hard-earned, and I am so proud of them.”

Blackwater College

Staff at Blackwater Integrated College were delighted to welcome back Year 12 students to receive their results on Thursday.

There were celebrations as hard work and effort were rewarded with some amazing results as students either reached or exceeded expectations in a range of GCSE and BTEC examinations and other courses.

The results showed an increase of 6% in the number of students achieving five or more GCSEs including English and Maths.

The principal, Mr Stephen Taylor, congratulated the students on their deserved success, noting that these outcomes compared favourably with those achieved pre-pandemic.

“These students’ resilience and commitment through some challenging years have been recognised and they have achieved grades which open many options for future study and work,” Mr Taylor said.

“Blackwater’s motto of building for the future, inspiring success and caring for students has been in evidence today.

“I wish the students well in the next stages of their educational journeys, knowing they have achieved their best and are well-prepared beyond Blackwater – I look forward to hearing of their future successes too.”

St Colman's High

At St Colman’s High and Sixth From College in Ballynahinch, 89% of Year 12 students achieved five GCSEs or more at A*-C grades, 76% of whom achieved five GCSEs or more including English and Mathematics.

Commenting on the results, the principal, Mrs Jennifer King, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students.

“Their outstanding results are a reflection of the hard work and discipline they have cultivated, setting a strong foundation for their upcoming A-Level studies.” 

Mrs Kind also highlighted the essential contributions of the school’s governors, teaching staff and supportive parents.

St Malachy's High

Eileen O’Hara, principal of St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan said she was “thrilled” by the results of the students. 

The school witnessed a 4% increase in performance at A*-C, with 93% of students obtaining five A*-C.

“These outcomes not only reflect the academic capabilities of our students but also their determination to excel despite the challenges they have faced over the past few years,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“These results are a reflection of the collective efforts of our entire school community.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our teachers, classroom assistants and school support staff who have worked tirelessly to inspire, guide, and support our school students throughout their GCSE courses.

“Congratulations to all our students on their well-deserved GCSE results.”

Shimna Inregrated College

Shimna Integrated College is also celebrating the achievements of their Year 12 students. 

The principal, Mr Steve Pagan, said: “It has certainly been a more challenging environment this year, with grades down across Northern Ireland this year, which makes the success all the more commendable.

“We look forward to welcoming back the students who have applied to join our sixth form and wish those who are moving on to pastures new the very best of luck in the future.” 

St Colmcille's High

St Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar also reported excellent results

The principal, Mr Seamus Hanna, said to his students: “The school community is very proud of all that you have achieved during your five years with us.

“As one journey ends, another begins and we wish everyone the best of luck as they move forward on their chosen pathways.” 

Ballynahinch High

The High School Ballynahinch saw its best ever GCSE results in the schools history, with nearly 90% of students attaining five or more GCSEs.

Principal Mr Paul Marks said: “Students were overjoyed with the results and we are so proud of our students.

“I want to prise the parents and all the staff for their support and help of the children over the last five years.”