Celebrations for local students as A level results are published

Lisburn principals were delighted with the performance of their pupils and praised them for their hard work throughout the year.

Elizabeth Dickson, Principal of Friends' School, said there was a shared delight at how well pupils had done. "At a time of intense competition for university places it was pleasing that the hard work and commitment of the Sixth Formers had been rewarded," she said.

"There was again a 100% pass rate in every subject at A level, underlining a consistently strong standard of performance by all."

Mrs Dickson added that this summer in the national press there had been a particular focus on the introduction of the A* grade at A level - awarded to candidates scoring over 90% in their A2 modules, taken at the end of the two year A level course. At Friends', 37 pupils had achieved at least one A* grade. "Overall, more than half of the grades awarded across all subjects had been at A or A*, with 47 pupils each gaining three or more A/A* grades," she continued.

Mrs Deborah O'Hare, Principal at Wallace High School, paid tribute to the efforts of the young people, their teachers and their parents. "An impressive 34 students in Upper Sixth have achieved 3 or 4 A grades. The introduction of the new A* grade this year has served a pleasing number of our students very well indeed" she said.

Mrs O'Hare said they recognised too that not all students are capable of achieving straight A grades and the school was delighted to recognise the achievement of every young person.

"Our young people, a majority of whom will now move on to university, have made realistic and career focused applications and degree choices," she continued. "On behalf of the community of this school I wish them well in this next exciting chapter of their lives. It has been a privilege to work with them. "

Mr Andrew Gibson, Principal of Hunterhouse College said: "Once again our A level results have been very pleasing. Overall the percentage of A*-C grades increased on last year's figure whilst we have also seen a number of excellent individual performances with an encouraging number of pupils attaining the new A* grade and an increased number gaining all A* and A grades. Furthermore, in spite of the increased pressure on Higher Education places, the majority of our pupils will be moving on to the University of their choice.

"These achievements are a reflection of the effort which our Sixth Form have put into their studies, the excellent preparation provided by their teachers and of the support and encouragement given by parents. It has been a true team effort."

Mr Jim Sheerin, Principal of Lisnagarvey High School said there was delight amongst students and parents at the excellent results at both A and AS level.

"The school achieved a 93% pass rate at A2 level and many of our students are now able to go on to their chosen courses at University" he said.

"The high standard of passes, particularly in Business Studies and ICT, is a credit to the commitment and hard work of the students and the dedication of the staff. I would like to thank all of our parents and staff who have supported our students and their wonderful achievements.

"We wish all our students well for the future and praise them for their tremendous work."

Dr Seamus Quinn, Principal of St Patrick's Academy said everyone at the school was delighted with the results. "St Patrick's Academy Board of Governors, teachers and school community are thoroughly delighted with the outstanding results obtained by our Sixth Form students," said Dr Quinn. "It is a testimony to the hard work and sincere efforts of our wonderful young people and their teachers that they have yet again achieved such a phenomenal level of success.

"St Patricks Academy continues to set the benchmark for all-ability excellence; enabling all those enrolled in our post 16 program to access 3rd level education. For the sixth successive year 100% of St Patrick's Academy sixth form have achieved 3 or more A levels. This is an unprecedented record for an all ability school."

The Principal of Fort Hill College, Mrs Marian Getty said she was "heartened" by the results. "I am delighted to see that, in this first year of the new A* category at A level we have students who have achieved this top grade across subject areas," she said. "We have had little time to look at results in detail but initial impressions are very positive and I am especially heartened by the grades of students who have come through our first post 16 collaborative link with Malone College and St Colms High School.

"Perhaps at a more personal level I am so pleased for our young people who, after a lot of hard work have not only met but in many instances surpassed their individual target grades. For some of them this was in spite of many obstacles at a variety of levels and this to me is the true measure of success. Special congratulations must go to them not to mention their families' and their teachers for the hard work and support," she concluded.

Mr James Martin, the principal of Laurelhill Community College was also delighted with the performance of his pupils. "I am very pleased with the results this year," he said. "The results attained reflect continuing improving standards, which in turn reflects the provision Laurelhill Community College makes for life after college in the workplace, training and university."