GCSE results distribution was a very happy occasion at Ballymena Academy where the grades achieved have lived up to the outstanding grades achieved at GCSE in previous years and those awarded at ‘AS’ Level and ‘A’ Level in the previous week.
Given the unique challenges which the young people had to face over the past two years, it was very pleasing and a real tribute to the pupils, that the excellent outcomes obtained reflected very positively on the ability and commitment of the students.
Stephen Black, Principal of Ballymena Academy, congratulated the young people on their achievements and added how pleasing it was to see so many happy pupils in school to receive their results.
“It is a great privilege to be able to pay tribute to our pupils, individually and collectively, not just for their excellent grades but also for the determination and commitment which they have shown over the past two years, despite the significant disruption which they faced for the entirety of their GCSE programmes.
“The resilience which they have shown is remarkable.
“These impressive results are a testament to the ability and commitment of our students, the dedication of our teaching staff and the support of parents. It is important to mention the good working relationships that are such an important feature of the life and work of this school.
“Such grades would not have been obtained without the professional approach and commitment shown by our staff and the consistent encouragement of parents as we all work together to ensure high levels of success for our young people.
“The school has traditionally demonstrated academic excellence and previous GCSE results have received positive affirmation from independent agencies such as the Education and Training Inspectorate. This year, despite the difficulties faced, is no different with evidence of continued impressive achievement across the curriculum.
“In addition to the terrific individual performances highlighted below, which identify close to half of the year group as attaining 7 or more A*/A grades in their GCSE full courses, there are also a significant number of high achievers not named here because of pressure of space, who should be commended and can look forward to Sixth Form with confidence.
“It is especially pleasing that, once again, 60% of all examinations sat were at A* or A and, in a similar pattern to recent years, in 24 individual subjects the percentage of grades achieved at A* – B exceeded N.I. Grammar School averages, indicating excellent performance across the curriculum.
“This set of results also confirms that our young people are well-positioned to meet the challenges which our society faces as it moves out of the pandemic and to take advantage of the opportunities that the future will bring. For the overwhelming majority, as in every year, that means entry to the Ballymena Academy Sixth Form whilst some others will prefer a different route; regardless of their choice, we extend our best wishes to all.”
High Achievers
Seven young people achieved A* grades in all nine of their GCSE full courses:- Stevie Bristow, Henry Casson, Tom Coulter, Leah Kenny, Alyshea Ramsey, Samuel Wainwright and Jorja Wilson.
Forty-three pupils achieved a minimum of 9 A*/A grades in their GCSE full courses – Jo-Jo Andrews, Emma Bonnar, Ellie Bradley, Susie Brown, Thomas Campbell, Maddie Carter, Gemma Clyde, Eilidh Craig, Steph Dawson White, Imogen Devine, Erin Donaghy, Rayann Edris, Marian Farquhar, Cathy Gilmore, Rebekah Gordon, Alex Graham, Daniel Gribben, Jonathan Grimsley, Daniel Hayburn, Hope Irwin, Sarah Jackson, Eva Kelly, Zara Kernohan, Lydia Logan, Sarah Mark, Caleb McCorriston, Ella McCosh, Scarlett McCutcheon, Maya McGovern, Michael McLean, Amy Millar, Jessica Millen, Nina Moles, Zoe Murdock, Annabel O’Hara, Ellie Paul, Eva Ritchie, Mani Treon, Daniel Vercoe-Rogers, Jack Williamson, Elle Anna Wilson, Lydia Wilson, Poppy Wilson.
They were closely followed by a further 16 young people with a minimum of 8 A*/A grades in their GCSE full courses – Anya Bishop, John Chambers, Arthur Church, Anna Coid, Finn Conroy, Katie Gamble, Ewan Johnston, Catherine McDonnell, James McIlroy, Max McVeigh, Lucas McWilliams, Ty Robinson, Sarah Sloan, Noah Stewart, Lily-Mae Torrington, Reece Williamson.
Finally, nine pupils obtained a minimum of 7 A*/A grades in their GCSE full courses – Leah Boyd, Joshua Gallagher, Sarah Glenn, Calum Henry, Matthew Loughlin, Lana Madden, Amy McGee, Yansiree McIlrath, Jacob Wilmot.