‘A’ Level Results 2019
Ballymena Academy is delighted to report upon the outstanding success attained by pupils of the school in their ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level examinations this summer and to congratulate them upon their achievement. In what is a record-breaking year for the school, the young people are celebrating an impressive performance in which over 50% of the grades obtained at ‘A’ Level were A* or A grades – the first time that such a figure has been achieved in the school. All examinations sat by all pupils resulted in pass grades and 93% of all grades were at Grade C or above.
Once again the number of pupils achieving 3 or more passes at grades A* – C is well above the N.I. Grammar School average. Remarkably, over three-quarters of the year group achieved at least one ‘A’ grade with the number of A* grades obtained being more than double the national average – 45 pupils got 3 ‘A’ grades, or better. These levels of achievement are even more commendable given that the stay-on rates from Year 13 to 14 are well above the N.I. average for selective schools – this is something that was recognised and applauded by the Education Training Inspectorate in their recent Inspection Report, consolidating the Academy’s reputation for academic excellence as one of Northern Ireland’s top performing schools.
Speaking at the school this morning, the Principal, Mr. Stephen Black, said that above all else this was a day of celebration for pupils and parents. He congratulated all the young people on their achievements; thanked parents for the considerable part which they play in supporting such success and applauded the school’s teaching and support staff, without whose expertise and commitment such excellent outcomes could not have been achieved.
While much of the focus will be on ‘A’ level results, the excellent results obtained at ‘AS’ level also bode well for future achievement. From a whole-school perspective it is very encouraging to note the levels of achievement across the school curriculum with almost all subjects in excess of N.I. Grammar School averages at both ‘A’ Level and ‘AS’ Level.
Whilst the results are extremely pleasing in themselves, more importantly they are empowering young people to gain entry to their chosen pathways, particularly given the demand for university places on many of the courses to which they have applied. As has been the case for many years, young people have gained access to a wide range of courses with many attaining much sought after places at the leading universities in the U.K. and Ireland.
A great deal of hard work and planning has been invested in such success and the results demonstrate that the school continues to promote very high standards of learning and achievement across the curriculum.
It is remarkable in this digital age, when they can access results and check university applications on-line, that our young people still come into school to be with their friends and teachers. It is a real privilege to share that experience and to sense the strength of this learning community, particularly the culture of achievement and support which is characteristic of every good school.
Top achievers at ‘A’ Level were as follows:-
Two pupils obtained 4 A* grades – Aaron Clinton and Michael Gregg.
A further six pupils obtained a combination of 4 A*/A grades – Michael Allen, Timothy Day, Alissa Forsythe, Michael O’Neill, Amanda Robinson and Kirill Sakharov.
A further thirty-seven pupils each obtained a minimum of 3 A*/A grades – Ciara Anderson, Harry Bill, James Brown, Rachel Brown, Juliet Cameron, Susanna Crabbe, Adam Dickey, Anna Doherty, Martyn Doherty, Patrick Doherty, Crawford Fairfield, Anna Gordon, Beth Herbison, Ruth Hoey, Jonathan Hogg, Jonathan Hunter, Oisin Jordan, Sarah Logan, Rachael Macaulay, Lydia Manson, Jenny McAlister, Sophie McAllister, Ellen McAuley, Elizabeth McCartney, Anna McGahey, Ruth McKane, Olivia McMaster, Sarah McNabney, Hannah L. Millar, Adam Morrison, James Poston, Ben Pyper, Suzanne Reid, Alex Richmond, Matt Smith, Anisia Tiplea and Jack Turner.
(S.W. Black – Principal)
