50 years of excellence for Antrim Grammar School

“As we celebrate the achievements of our pupils here this afternoon, let us remember that they are not endpoints, but simply stepping stones. Each prize awarded, each effort recognised, is a seed planted, and a promise of what might yet be.

“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. Let us wield it wisely, and let us never stop growing.”

With these words, the Principal of Antrim Grammar Mr. Martin Wilson, marked 50 years of educational excellence at the school’s annual prize day,

He said: “From modest beginnings, this school has grown into a place of excellence, shaping minds, building character, and inspiring futures. Each pupil who walks through these doors carries this legacy forward, proving that from small beginnings, great things truly come.

“I believe that it is been a remarkable year in the history of Antrim Grammar School, roll on the next 50 years!

“Academic excellence remains at the very heart of our school, and I am pleased to report the success of our pupils in the public examinations. At Advanced Level, 84% of pupils achieved 3 or more grades A* - C, with 22 pupils in the Year 14 cohort achieving a minimum of 3 A grades. Seth McArdle achieved 2 A* and two A grades. Akul Bhatted, Jessie Bolton, Rachel Finlay and Isla Myers achieved 3 A* grades. Holly Hewitt, Katie McAlister, Charlotte McClay, Jack McNeilly and Aaron McWha achieved 2 A* grades and 1 A grade. Georgia Anderson, Owen Creighton, Pola Doczekalska, Yash Doke, Joel Hyndman, Callum Dugdale, Bogdan Paun, Leticia Soglohoun all achieved 1 A* and 2 A grades. Emily Hutchinson, Shine Philip, Ethan Wallace and Sophie Warren achieved 3 A grades.

“13 subject areas achieved 100% A* - C across their particular cohort.

“At GCSE Level, our pupils again celebrated impressive results. 100% of pupils achieved 5 or

more GCSEs at grades A* - C (including English and Mathematics), and 98% of pupils achieved 7 or more GCSEs at grade A* - C, including English and Mathematics. Baha Al Saeedi and Alex Reid (2 pupils) achieved 9A* grades out of the 9 subjects that were studied.

“Katie McKernin and Natalie Menagh achieved 8 A* grades and 1 A grade.

“25 pupils within the cohort achieved a minimum of 9 A* - A grades. 50 pupils within the cohort ie. 38% achieved a minimum of 7 A* - A grades. I am also delighted to report that 18 Departments reported 100% of pupils achieving A* - C grades.

“I wish to congratulate our pupils, not just our prize winners, but all our pupils who sat external examinations, and their teachers on these impressive results, and remain grateful for the continued support of all parents/guardians, who help to sustain good habits of study at home.

“These results are particularly significant as they represent improvements across each stage, with our GCSE results indicating the best results in the history of the school.

“While academic excellence is rightly acknowledged, we also place great value on progress, perseverance, and personal growth. Success is not only measured by grades, but by the journey a pupil takes to improve, overcome challenges, and strive to be their best. At AGS, we champion character. It is imperative to commend our pupils when they display good manners, show kindness to others, and demonstrate a selfless attitude.”