Top ten Northern Ireland schools named in new league table dominated by grammars

It tops the list of Northern Ireland’s best performing schools in a new league table using the first post-pandemic set of results for state and independent schools since Covid-19 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The top ten in what the Sunday Times has dubbed the ‘Parent Power’ league table for Northern Ireland are comprised entirely of grammar schools, with the three best performing schools all Catholic grammar schools – St Mary’s in Magherafelt at number one in the list, followed by Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in Belfast at number two and Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock in Belfast at number three.

Strathearn School in Belfast and Friends' School Lisburn complete the top five, followed by St Dominic's School, Belfast in number six on the list and Lumen Christi College in Londonderry at number seven. The remaining schools in the top ten, in order, are Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt, with Banbridge Academy completing the top ten.

Paul McClean, the new principal of the number one ranked school said that, although “delighted” with the accolade, grades are not his number one goal.

“More important than any set of grades or access to university is leaving St Mary’s with a value system that sets pupils up for life,” he said.

“It is about respect for others and respect for themselves. There are so many challenges and competing priorities in young peoples’ lives that the safety and support of parents and schools working closely together is a necessary element to each pupil reaching their potential.”

In the UK-wide rankings, seven Northern Ireland grammar schools make the top-50 in the Sunday Times league table.

The rankings are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level (which is given double weighting) and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.

The full league tables can be found at thetimes.co.uk/parentpower

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said: “The success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned.”