GCSE success at Dromore High

The school’s GCSE results were released to pupils on Thursday, and, like the A level results of the previous week, the results continue to climb.

Principal, Mr Ian McConaghy, paid tribute to the pupils and staff for what he called their exceptional efforts.

He said: “The percentage of pupils achieving five GCSE grades at A*-C, including English and Maths, increased by 4% and the percentage of pupils achieving five straight A*-C grades is almost 70%.” Looking behind the headline statistics Mr McConaghy highlighted success in GCSE Further Maths, English Literature, Land & Agriculture, Performing Arts, Music, Home Economics and BTEC Engineering, where almost every pupil achieved A*-C grades.

He said: “These results are the product of a staff who have nurtured, encouraged, guided and supported the pupils all through their education here and they bear the hallmark of pupils who have worked hard and a staff who care for their pupils.These results mean many of our pupils will be joining us in our successful sixth form to continue their studies at A level.

“We recognise success is different for all pupils and congratulate all on their results and wish them further success in the future. In addition to examination success it is also important to state here how proud we are of the pupils’ overall development.

“They are a well-rounded group of pupils who I have no doubt will make a positive contribution wherever they go.”

Out of “a very good year group” the achievements of some individual students merited highlighting. They included Rhiannon Beattie, 2A*, 5As 2B, Sarah Chambers 4A*, 4As, 1B, Sarah Duff 8As, 2Bs, Rebecca Hawthorne 1A*, 6As 2Bs 1C, Kathryn Jordan 1A*, 5As, 4Bs,Lauren McCauley 1A*, 5As, 4Bs, Anna Moore 3A*, 5As, 2Bs, Holly O’Connor 1A*, 4As, 4Bs, 1C and Callum Russell 1A*, 8As, 1B.