Downshire students bound for UK universities after ‘excellent’ results

With some 40 AS Level and 35 A Level students having sat the exams earlier this year, principal Jacqueline Stewart said she was she was “delighted” with their efforts.

Some 95 percent of students achieved two or more grades at AS Level, while 97 percent secured two or more grades at A Level.

“It must be noted that at A Level, nine students obtained A* grades and 45 percent achieved at least one A* or A grade,” Mrs Stewart added.

“This is certainly an increase on last year, which also saw great success for students.” Top performing students at AS Level were Ryan McCrory (AAB), Erin Tweedie (AAB), Matthew Forsythe (ABB) and Caitlin White (ABB).

At A Level, the outstanding performers were Rachel Cooke (A*AB), Karris Gianni (AAB) and Lesley Greer (AAB).

Mrs Stewart added: “Although we await feedback from a number of universities, at present 15 students are already placed and 21 hold offers which should be secured.

“Some examples of destinations for our leavers are University of Lancaster for Karris Gianni, who was given an unconditional offer and will study Finance, and University of West London for Rachel Cooke, who will study Midwifery.”

Fellow pupil Victoria Sheeran gained a plane at Stranmillis University College, while five students are bound for Ulster University’s Jordanstown campus to study a range of subjects including Computing Science, Language and Linguistics, and Nursing.

Several pupils will take up university places in mainland UK at Liverpool John Moore’s, University of Cumbria, University of Stirling and the School of Audio Engineering Institute in Liverpool.

Mrs Stewart went on to extend best wishes for the future to all of the students on their excellent results from the Governors and staff of Downshire School.