Local school is named among province’s best

The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2012, published at the weekend, ranks the Rashee Road grammar school 20th in Northern Ireland, having achieved excellent results in this year’s examinations - an A-Level A* to B pass rate of 66.8 per cent, and a GCSE A*/A pass rate of 41.8 per cent.

Ballyclare High was the only Newtownabbey school to make the top 20.

“I am always pleased when the school is included in the Sunday Times table of top schools in the UK,” Mr Knox commented.

“The school continues to strive to achieve top results and it will, I hope, next year have an even better position in comparison to other leading schools in the United Kingdom.”

Meanwhile, Ballyclare High has notched a prestigious gold medal for the fifth time in a national awards scheme recognising schools that promote international education.

The International School Award, organised by the British Council, was awarded to the school after it proved its commitment to education beyond borders, such as through curriculum links with partner schools overseas.

Ballyclare High is now the only school in Northern Ireland to have won the accolade on five occasions, having been one of the first schools in the UK to win the award when it was introduced in 1999.

“To receive the gold medal is terrific and a just reward for staff who show such commitment,” Mr Knox added.