Bittersweet day at Ballee

There were mixed emotions in Ballee Community High School on Thursday - success tinged with sadness as the last Year 12 cohort in the history of school collected their GCSE results.
Balllee High School pupils celebrate their results.Balllee High School pupils celebrate their results.
Balllee High School pupils celebrate their results.

Principal Gillian McCartney said: “Behind every statistic is a personal story of success sometimes in the face of many obstacles and challenges. The common challenge faced by all Year 12’s was the untimely announcement of the school closure just as they had commenced their GCSE examinations. However, the students rose to the challenge, kept their eye on the ball and achieved or surpassed their targets.

“Congratulations in particular go to Shannon-Louise Asquith, Ellie Bailie, Joanne Bonnar, Jaime Duff, Rachael Hanna, Lauren Hill, Niaomi Kearney, Victoria Thompson and Chloe Young, who all achieved top grades in 5 or more GCSE’s.”

Mr McComb, Chairman of the Board of Governors, paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of the hardworking pupils and staff and supportive parents.

Mrs McCartney added: “We wish our Year 12’s every success as they step into further study or training courses. We particularly remember pupils from Years 8 – 11 who will continue their studies in other schools next week.

We send our best wishes to them all, now and in the future”