Outstanding accolades at Parkhall Integrated College

Parkhall Integrated College proudly hosted its Annual Prize Distribution Awards last week, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its students and the wider school community during the 2024/25 academic year.

Mr Neil Owen, Principal, welcomed students, families, staff, members of the Board of Governors, ex-staff, past principals, and friends to the event, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, caring learning environment where every student is valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Reflecting on the school’s vision and values - Achievement, Community, Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility - Mr Owen emphasised the importance of integrated education in promoting tolerance, diversity, and equity.

He praised the school’s dedication to providing a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that supports academic success and personal development from year 8 through to year 14.

The academic accomplishments of Parkhall students were celebrated with pride:

84% of GCSE students achieved at least 5 A*–C grades.

58% secured 5 A*–C grades including English and Maths.

Over 83% of A Level students attained A*–C grades in at least two subjects.

A record number of A Level students progressed to university.

Mr. Owen also recognised the school’s sporting successes, including the Girls’ Hockey team winning the NEBSSA Year 8 Hockey League and the U16 Girls Football team reaching the Danske Bank NI Cup final. Several students earned regional and national representation in football, rugby, and cricket.

The school’s strong pastoral care and commitment to wellbeing were acknowledged with the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing award, alongside student-led initiatives such as the Saphara Be the Change Award, which supports newcomer students.

Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Parkhall Integrated College’s ethos. Charitable activities, including fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, the Poppy Appeal, and Autism Acceptance Week, continued robustly. The annual Community Christmas Party, a growing tradition, exemplifies the school’s spirit of kindness and inclusion.

A special tribute was paid to Mr. Mervyn Alexander, who stepped down earlier this year as Chair of Governors after four decades of dedicated service.

His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping Parkhall’s ethos and success. The school community expressed profound gratitude for his invaluable contributions.

Mr. Owen also honoured the memory of the late Trish Weir, a passionate advocate for the school and community, whose legacy of care and commitment continues to inspire.

In closing, Mr. Owen congratulated all students for their achievements and encouraged them to embrace the future with optimism, quoting Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Parkhall Integrated College remains committed to nurturing a vibrant, supportive community where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.