GCSE success for our pupils

By Ballyclare High School on 20 August, 2020

Despite the controversy and uncertainty around the awarding of GCSE grades this year pupils in Ballyclare High School have been awarded results to be proud of once again. Teacher assessed grades have not been standardised by examination boards for this cohort and instead are based on internal assessments completed up until lockdown began. We expected indicators to be a little higher than last year and in a year when most certainly now that will be the case for all schools, we are confident that our outcomes will allow our pupils the celebration they deserve and stand the test of time.

99% of pupils walk away today with 5 or more A*/C grades, including English and Maths and 96% have been awarded 7 or more A*/C grades, including English and Maths. 56% of all grades are A*/A and the 100% pass rate in both English and Maths gives everyone, regardless of next steps, straightforward options for further study and employment. 90% have secured the grades that will allow them to return to school for A level study and can be assured of a fabulously confident start to those courses.

Dr Michelle Rainey, Principal, said “Our pupils’ GCSE results have always compared very well indeed with the NI grammar school indicators. This year that is more difficult to judge but our pupils’ achievements have held up against the rigour of internal teacher assessment and today, let’s set the controversy aside and celebrate with our children what they have achieved. There is a relief and a buoyancy here this morning and rightly so. Well done everybody, go celebrate and look forward, not back. Each one of you is a success story in your own way and the next exciting step in life’s journey awaits you.”