The Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry is celebrating yet another exceptional set of A-level results. 104 boys received their superb results on Thursday morning.

Previous records were broken as academic standards continue to rise each year. The most significant statistic from these results is that more pupils at the Abbey are obtaining the top grades. An unbelievable 55% of all results were grade A, 77% grades A or B and 95% grades A-C.

Again the number of pupils at the Abbey achieving top grades in their 3, 4 or even 5 subjects continue to rise. A total of 28 boys achieved 3 or more grade A’s.

Top pupil Stephen Begley from Dromintee achieved 5 A grades and shall be studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Twelve boys achieved 4 A grades and another 15 boys achieved 3 A grades. Three of this group shall be studying at Oxford University:- Sean Mc Clory – (Law), Philip Knox (English Language and Literature) and Kevin Mc Manus (Mathematics and Statistics).

This really is the ‘icing on the cake’ for The Abbey Grammar at the end of what has proved to be a historic year following numerous extra curricular successes in Irish, Drama, Science, Technology, Music and Sport including MacRory Cup and Hogan Cup success.

With preparations well under way for the new school, and an increase in the number of subjects in lower sixth to include English language, Accounting and Vocational courses, including ICT and Construction demand for places continue to rise.

Mr Dermot Mc Govern, Headmaster congratulated this exceptional group of pupils on their results. He indicated that virtually every boy achieved his first choice university place. He paid tribute to his hard working staff and thanked them for all their efforts and dedication to the welfare of their students. He acknowledged the strong school-parental links that also helped the boys to achieve their best.

Lower sixth students also received their AS results, and all at the Abbey are confident that the exceptional standard of ‘A’ Level results will be repeated next year.