Slideshow: Ballymena Academy prize day

Addressing the packed gathering of Governors, invited guests, staff, students and parents, principal Stephen Black reported that in an almost identical picture to last year at GCSE level over 98 per cent of the grades were at grade C or better, 99 per cent of the year group achieved five A*-C grades with 98% achieving seven A*-C grades including English and Mathematics.

The key statistical figures at Advanced level were identical to last year, Mr Black said, with over 93 per cent of the examinations sat resulting in grades of C or better and 84 per cent of the year group attaining three or more grades at A*-C.

Mr Black pointed out, however, that examination results “reveal only part of the picture in respect of the work of Ballymena Academy”.

He said: “Our aim of “Caring for the Individual” emphasises the importance we place on personal development, relationships and in ensuring that our pupils have those less quantifiable qualities which employers desire”.

Mr Black also highlighted the recent provision at the school of state-of-the-art sports facilities “for the young and, indeed, the not so young, people of our community”.

He told those gathered: “In light of Wednesday’s announcement by the Education Minister that he wishes the Education Authority to review Sixth Form Provision in the Ballymena area, it is evident that with these facilities to assist in promoting excellence in physical health and well-being, with our track record of outstanding academic achievement and in being one of very few schools in the Province to offer young people the full entitlement of subjects, this school is in an excellent position to contribute to the solution, desired by the Minister, by offering a sixth form education which is top quality in every respect.”

Mr Black concluded: “The list of achievements outlined today provides evidence of how successful we continue to be in shaping ourselves to address the changing face of education.”