Following the news last week that the Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry had been crowned ‘The Top Boys Grammar, in Northern Ireland’, with their A-Level results, 123 GCSE pupils were informed that they had excelled just as well. 94% obtained at least 5 GCSE passes A*-C and the overall quality of results has ensured that there will be an excellent new A Level group starting this year. There is an increase of the top grades. Almost 40% of the total entries were grades A*/A.

A magnificent 9 pupils obtained 11 A*/A or better and 20 pupils achieved 9 A*/A or better. Students will choose three or four A Levels from a range of 24 subjects available. This will be complimented by lower 6th students adding to their AS studies in the next academic year with accredited vocational enrichment programmes across the range of subject areas including Employment Law, Business Enterprise, Electronics Manufacturing, Website Design. These subjects are being introduced into the Abbey for the first time and shall be looked upon favourably by the Universities when the pupils seek entry to 3rd level.

A delighted Headmaster, Mr Dermot McGovern congratulated all the pupils that received GCSE results – not only the boys that had done exceptionally well but also the boys that had done as well as they possibly could. He believes that a number of factors have combined to help with this years success, including a very dedicated, committed and highly professional staff that got the best out of this years group. The most valuable gift any teacher can give a pupil in the Abbey is their own time, and this was given in abundance when you consider the members of staff that stayed after school and came into school during holiday periods to help boys with extra classes and the completion of coursework.

Support from parents was another area highlighted by Mr McGovern that facilitated these results, working in harmony with the Abbey by attending parents’/teacher meetings and helping to implement recommendations that were agreed at ‘Progress Meetings’ that were set up to support pupils.