Forty Six Our Lady's students achieved 8 or more A*/A grades in their GCSE's

Chloe Coughlan is congratulated by Mrs McAlinden on achieving an exceptional 10 A* grades.

Students at Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry have achieved their best ever set of GCSE results, with the school's largest cohort to date recording exceptional grades. The 153 students saw 46% of grades awarded at A*-A, 70% at A*-B and 95% at A*-C, with 46 students achieving eight or more A*/A grades and 93% of students achieving seven or more A*-C grades.

Pictured with Principal Mrs Fiona McAlinden and Vice-Principal Mr Thomas Hackett are some of our students who achieved a minimum of 8 A*/A grades: Molly Bellew, Clara Brewster, Chloe Coghlan, Isabella Curran, Blaithin Daly, Eva Demeca, Sarah Doherty, Emma Duffy, Ellie Farrell, Lucy Flynn, Naoise Grant, Aoibheann Harding-Lester, Angeleena Jophin, Meagan Kearney, Clare Keeley, Laura Kieran, Kiera Knox, Grace Lunny, Aoife Martin, Méabh McAleenan, Kate McCaffery, Faye McCreesh, Emily McElvanna, Ellie McEvoy, Tess McGouran, Sarah McGrath, Anna McKeown, Maeve McKinley, Kate McNeela, Ava McPolin, Leah McPolin, Ava O'Hagan, Lily-Ann O'Loughlin, Molly O'Neill, Sadie O'Neill, Ruby Quinn, Hollie Rice, and Eva-Jane Watras. Missing from the photograph are: Freya Coffey, Eithne Dunbar, Ellie Henning, Ava McWilliams, Kaja Rak, Evie Rogers, Eva Ryan and Grace Ryan.

Principal Mrs Fiona McAlinden praised the students' achievements, saying she was immensely proud of what they had accomplished. She said the outstanding results were a testament to their hard work, perseverance and determination and were richly deserved. Referencing the school's Mercy Foundress, Catherine McAuley, Mrs McAlinden said: "As our Mercy Foundress, Catherine McAuley, reminded us, 'We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.' Our students have certainly been shining lamps through their commitment, resilience and pursuit of excellence."

Mrs McAlinden also thanked staff and parents for their part in the students' success. She thanked the school's teachers for their unwavering commitment to nurturing the academic, personal and holistic development of every student, and said she was very grateful to support staff, whose dedication and invaluable contribution help create an environment in which young people can thrive and succeed. She also thanked parents for their continued encouragement, partnership and support throughout their children's educational journey.

Almost all of the year group are set to continue their A Level studies at Our Lady's, with Mrs McAlinden wishing every student success in the future, whichever pathway they choose.