Coleraine Grammar exceeds the average - first report for new school

Coleraine Grammar School has exceeded the NI Grammar School average for GCSE examinations taken in 2016 according to the Education and Training Inspectorate Report.

Whilst the report - the first since the coming together of Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School - highlights areas for improvement, overall it makes pleasant reading for the new school.

Headmaster David Carruthers said: “This is the first report from the Education and Training Inspectorate since we brought the two schools together in September 2015 and we are pleased that it recognises the challenges we faced in bringing together the staff, culture and systems of the two founding schools and the added difficulties of doing so across two sites.

“We also note that while the report highlights areas for improvement, the Education and Training Inspectorate recognises that the Senior Leadership Team at the school has prioritised appropriately and given due attention to creating a shared vision for the new school community.

Dr David Carruthers, headmaster, Coleraine Grammar School.

“Key areas for improvement include certain aspects of learning and teaching, leadership and management and examination outcomes for pupils, all of which we have already prioritised and begun to address through clear action plans.

“In terms of examination results, the inspectors clearly recognised that for the year group who took GCSE examinations in 2016, ‘the academic ability of this cohort of pupils varied widely. While we remain focused on improving exam results across the board we believe that it is also useful to consider the implications of this wide range of academic ability within the school

Coleraine GS exceeded the Northern Ireland grammar school average in the pupils with AQE ≥ 94 category and far exceeded the average in the pupils with AQE ≤ 93 category.

“We were also pleased that despite the major upheaval associated with the joining of the two schools, the parental survey indicated good levels of satisfaction with the school. Pupils are happy and enjoying their learning as well as the extensive extra-curricular activities provided by the school.”

To read the full report: www.colerainegrammar.com/news/inspection-report