Ballyclare High principal reflects on the successes of the past year

Dr Michelle Rainey was speaking to the packed gathering of pupils, parents, teachers, governors at the annual Prize Day.

Dr Rainey said: “All of us are part of Ballyclare High School”, all integral links and cogs that drive success. We are

about developing the whole child, we are about lifelong learning, we are about tolerance and respect at all times.”

She said examination results for the past year were again pleasing and that of particular note at A level was the percentage of students achieving the top two grades.

She said: “The tally is similar to last year with almost 35% of pupils again rewarded with A* and A grades against a provincial figure of approximately 29%. Further, over five per cent leave school with four A*/A grades and 16% leave with top grades in three or more chosen subjects.

“The school’s A*-B indicator is comparable to last year. 99% of pupils got three A*-E grades ensuring our pass rate is just above the NI figure. Three quarters of subjects can boast more than 80% of their pupils secured a grade A*-C.”

Dr Rainey said GCSE results were very good and 99% of all pupils secured five A*-C grades with three-quarters of those awarded with at least five A*/A grades. Overall top grades were up with 77% registering A*/B in all subjects.

“We are delighted not only with the sustained levels of attainment at the top end but with the 100% pass rate in 11

subjects, including Maths and English Literature. Overall we would expect the seven A*-C % used to compare grammar schools to reflect favourably with the NI average once published,” she said.