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A retired GP from Warrenpoint has achieved a B in History A-Level after returning to education, as Southern Regional College celebrates another year of strong academic results. Mark Murphy is now considering his next steps and is thinking about pursuing a History or Art degree.
Students at Southern Regional College achieved an overall pass rate of 96.6% and joined thousands of students who received their results today. A number of subjects achieved a 100% pass rate, including Biology, English Literature and Religious Studies, reflecting the standard of teaching and learning provided across the College's A-Level provision.
Academic success at the College extends beyond traditional A-Levels, with many students achieving three BTEC Distinction Stars (DDD*), equivalent to three A* grades at A-level. Based at the College's Armagh campus, SRC's A-Level Academy offers students the opportunity to study a broad range of 13 AS and A2 subjects. The curriculum includes STEM subjects such as Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, alongside popular choices including Government and Politics, Nutrition and Food Science, Sociology and Psychology, providing students with a strong basis for higher education, apprenticeships and future careers.
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design and Academic Studies at Southern Regional College, said: "This year's A-Level results are a fantastic reflection of the hard work our students have shown throughout the year, as well as the incredible support from our teaching staff who have helped every student reach their potential." Rogan added: "While we celebrate these excellent results, we are equally proud of the confidence and independence students have developed along the way. Whether they are heading to university, apprenticeships or the world of work, they leave us ready to embrace new opportunities. It's been a privilege to be part of their journey and I wish them every success as they take their next steps."
The College welcomes students who are studying A-Levels for the first time as well as those applicants seeking to undertake one or more AS or A-Level subjects. To apply to SRC's A-Level Academy, visit www.src.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 0300 123 1223 for advice and guidance.
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Students at Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry will be celebrating this weekend after receiving their 2026 A-Level and AS results. The school reported that 88% of students achieved three or more A Levels at grades A to C*, while 95% of all grades awarded were A to C*.
A spokesperson for the school said it was delighted to be celebrating with its students, with the results a testament to the hard work, resilience and determination of the young people involved, supported by their families, teachers and the wider school community. It added that grades were only one part of a student's story, and that what mattered most was character, effort and the journey taken to reach this point.
The spokesperson added that whether or not today brought the results students had hoped for, they had much to be proud of. As students prepare to begin their next chapter, whether at university, in further study, employment or training, the school wished them every happiness and success, congratulating each and every one of them and expressing pride in their achievements.
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More than 750 young women aged 16 to 18, including 37 from South Down, delivered almost 500 community leadership projects in Northern Ireland over the past year, according to a new report from charity SistersIN. The projects reached 17,755 people in schools and communities throughout the north.
SistersIN is a leadership and mentoring programme that pairs young women with mentors from business, public life and the community, encouraging participants to identify issues they care about and design projects to address them. Students from South Down schools taking part in the 2025-2026 programme included those from St Mark's High School in Warrenpoint, Kilkeel High School, St Malachy's High School in Castlewellan and Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch.
Over the past 12 months, more than 750 SistersIN participants designed and delivered 480 leadership projects, contributing 9,060 hours of activity to their schools and local communities. More than a third, 38%, of participants created entirely new initiatives that will continue beyond the programme.
A teacher from Kilkeel High School said the programme empowers girls to challenge themselves. "This is an amazing programme which empowers girls to challenge themselves and to step outside their comfort zone in an engaging way, building self-belief and self-esteem. It has been wonderful to see female teachers in school become involved too in sharing their expertise and experiences."
SistersIN commissioned research involving the participants along with their teachers and mentors to assess the impact of its work. The report found that girls who started the programme with lower confidence and self-awareness showed three times greater improvement than those who began with higher baseline scores. It also found that 92% of pupils felt more prepared for the transition from education into the professional world following their mentoring and job-shadow day, while 42% reported a clear boost in their ability to lead and said they were actively looking for opportunities to use their voice. Among teachers surveyed, 90% said they had seen measurable improvements in pupils' self-belief, communication, resilience, self-leadership and teamwork.
Mental health and wellbeing emerged as the most common project theme, featuring in one in six initiatives, followed closely by charity and fundraising, then clubs and extracurricular activities, mentoring, community impact and sport. Participation from young women living in deprived areas increased by 37% this year, which the charity said reflects its belief that opportunity should not be determined by background or postcode.
Among the businesses and professionals who volunteered as mentors, 62% said they came away with a better understanding of Generation Z's ambitions and the workforce of tomorrow, while 61% said they had built new community connections through the programme. The majority, 90%, said they would volunteer again.
Peter Dobbin, SistersIN Chairman, said talent exists throughout Northern Ireland but opportunity is not always evenly distributed. "SistersIN exists to help change that by ensuring young women from every background and every part of Northern Ireland can access the mentoring, networks and experiences that help them thrive." He added: "This year's participants have shown what happens when young women are given the confidence to lead. They have created projects that have made a real difference in their schools and communities, while developing the skills, resilience and ambition that will serve them throughout their lives. Northern Ireland's future leaders are already here, and they are ready to make their mark."
Founded in Northern Ireland in 2022, SistersIN was created to help close the leadership gender gap by supporting young women at a formative stage of their lives. In four years it has grown from a local initiative into one of Northern Ireland's foremost youth leadership programmes, built on mentoring, community impact and the belief that every young woman should have access to the skills, confidence and networks needed to lead.
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Two students from the SRC Newry campus have been named as finalists in the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2026. Ruby Elliott (20) and Kate Mooney (19) will compete in the Laboratory Technician and Beauty Therapy categories respectively after progressing through entry stage and regional qualifiers earlier this year.
Elliott is currently in the first year of her Applied Science, Analytical Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship, and will compete in the Laboratory Technician category. Mooney, a Beauty Therapy Level 2 Trainee, will compete in the Beauty Therapy category. Both are one of eight finalists in their respective categories, having seen off competition from around the UK, and will now undertake further training ahead of the National Finals, which will be held in venues in South Wales from 17 to 20 November 2026.
The WorldSkills UK competitions are designed by industry experts to help young people develop technical and employability skills, and to support investment, jobs and economic growth.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, congratulated the pair on reaching the finals. "Congratulations to both Ruby and Katie for reaching the National Finals of WorldSkills UK. It is a significant milestone to have reached this stage of such a prestigious competition, and I look forward to seeing them demonstrate their exceptional skills in November." She added: "Their success reflects not only their own hard work and commitment, but also the high-quality teaching, training and support provided by our staff. We wish them every success as they prepare to compete against the very best young talent from around the UK."
Mark Smallman, Operations Director at WorldSkills UK, also congratulated this year's finalists. "Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place in this year's WorldSkills UK National Finals. Reaching this stage is a fantastic achievement and recognition that you are among the UK's most talented apprentices and students. Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished." He added: "Our competitions recreate the pace, pressures and standards of the workplace, challenging competitors to solve problems, think critically and perform at their very best. It's encouraging to see the diversity of learners taking part continue to increase, reflecting the growing reach of skills excellence around the UK. That's why organisations are embracing skills competitions as part of their teaching practices, they see first-hand how the experience builds confidence, resilience and the skills people need to be truly work ready."
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A new partnership has been formed between Southern Regional College's Formula Student team, SRC Racing, and Newry based business FS Wheels, located at Greenbank Industrial Estate. Frank Sloan and the team at FS Wheels have sponsored the high performance tyres and wheels necessary for the students' single seater race car, which is scheduled to take to the track in July 2027.
Southern Regional College values the role that local businesses play in supporting student learning and development. The Formula Student team is currently competing in the Concept Class at the 2026 IMechE Formula Student competition, developing and refining the design ahead of building and racing the car.
Seán Mac Diarmada, the team's academic supervisor, said the sponsorship represented a significant investment in local talent. He said: “This sponsorship is more than just a contribution to a project; it is a profound investment in Newry's local young engineering talent. By backing our students, FS Wheels is demonstrating a deep commitment to our region, proving that when local businesses invest in local students, the entire community thrives.
“Having the support of a business in Newry like Frank Sloan is incredibly motivating for our team. It reinforces the value of community-led initiatives and shows our students that the skills they are developing at SRC are recognised and championed by the industry right on their doorstep, and furthermore establishes a direct route from Newry to the factories at Milton-Keynes, Brackley, and other sites where the pinnacle of engineering thrives in Formula One factories.”
Ross Graham, the Formula Student team leader, said the team was grateful for the backing. He said: “The team is incredibly grateful to Frank Sloan for his generosity and his belief in us, the next generation of engineers. Through this partnership, we aren't just building a faster car, we are building a stronger, more connected community.”
SRC Racing and the college have thanked FS Wheels for its support of the project and for helping students pursue their ambitions in Formula Student competition. The team has also benefited from the support of a number of other local businesses, whose expertise, sponsorship and encouragement have played an important role in helping students develop their engineering skills and bring the project to life.
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The north's six Further Education colleges have launched a new digital prospectus designed to guide learners through the full range of NI Traineeships on offer. The one-stop resource covers all thirty-six Traineeship pathways, including entry requirements, progression routes and a dedicated section for parents.
NI Traineeships combine professional and technical qualifications with work placements, Essential Skills in literacy and numeracy, sector-specific training and the development of transversal and employability skills. Described as a well-established pathway, they are intended to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study, offering what is described as a dynamic and supportive route to career success.
The shared digital prospectus was produced collectively by the FE sector as a means of raising awareness and understanding of Traineeships as a route into employment and further study. By working together, the colleges are aiming to present a unified message about the opportunities available to learners and the role Traineeships play in addressing skills needs in key sectors of the economy, with the broader aim of strengthening the profile of vocational education and helping young people and their families recognise the value of industry-relevant skills and practical experience.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education with the Department for the Economy, described the launch as a significant milestone. She said: "The development and launch of the new NI Traineeship Prospectus is a significant milestone in the rollout of Traineeships as the flagship FE offer at Level 2 for learners wishing to embark on a wide range of vocational careers. This is the result of sector wide collaboration and expertise and the prospectus provides a really helpful one-stop-resource for learners, parents and guardians, teachers and employers. I would strongly encourage anybody thinking about a Traineeship as a next step to check out the prospectus and reach out to your local FE college."
Celine McCartan, Chairperson of the Further Education Principals Group, welcomed the resource. She said: "I am delighted to welcome this prospectus, which showcases the breadth and quality of Traineeship opportunities available through our six Further Education Colleges and reflects the strong collaborative approach being taken across the sector. By bringing Level 2 vocational education routes together in one accessible digital resource, we are making it easier for learners, parents, schools and employers to explore what is available and identify the option that best matches each learner's interests, ambitions and career goals. Traineeships provide pathways into Apprenticeships, further training and higher levels of study, while combining practical experience with recognised qualifications and the skills employers value most. They support learners to take their next step and enhance the skills needs of our economy."
The digital NI Traineeship prospectus is available to view at www.src.ac.uk
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St Colman's College, Newry, is celebrating after recent school leaver Arryn Lyness became the first student from Ireland to qualify for the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship for a second consecutive year. Having won both the Irish Finals and the UK & Ireland Finals in Microsoft PowerPoint, Arryn will once again represent the UK and Ireland when the world's leading Microsoft Office specialists gather at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, from 27 to 30 July.
The competition will bring together students from 37 countries to compete in the Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint categories. Last year, Arryn finished seventh in the world in Microsoft Excel, and returning this year in a different application, he believes he has unfinished business.
He said: "Competing at the World Championship last year was an incredible experience. Finishing seventh gave me even more motivation. I know what to expect this time, and I feel like I have unfinished business. My goal is to come home with a medal."
Arryn will travel to California with his mother, who will accompany him as he competes against the world's best young Microsoft Office specialists.
His success forms part of a wider culture of digital excellence at St Colman's. Through the college's partnership with Prodigy Learning, every Year 10 and Year 13 student has the opportunity to achieve Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These internationally recognised, Pearson-accredited qualifications provide students with industry-standard digital skills recognised by universities and employers around the world. Each year, students at St Colman's achieve approximately 500 such certifications, making the programme one of the college's flagship enrichment opportunities.
This year's competition also highlighted the depth of talent within the college. Twelve students qualified for the Irish National Finals, with fellow student Alan Karpiel crowned Irish Champion in Microsoft Word.
Principal Cormac McKinney praised Arryn's achievement and the wider success of the programme, saying: "Arryn's qualification for a second consecutive World Championship is an exceptional accomplishment and one of which our entire school community is immensely proud. His success reflects not only his own dedication and determination but also the opportunities available to our students through a curriculum that places digital skills alongside academic excellence. We wish Arryn every success as he once again represents the UK and Ireland on the world stage."
Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, said: "To qualify for one Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship is an exceptional achievement. To return for a second consecutive year, having qualified in a completely different Microsoft Office application, is unprecedented.
"While Arryn's achievement is rightly being celebrated, we are equally proud that twelve of our students reached the Irish National Finals this year. Together with Alan's success in winning the Microsoft Word title, it demonstrates the strength of the programme and the opportunities available to every student at St Colman's College."
Vice Principal Helen Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, added: "Our aim has always been to equip young people with qualifications that have genuine value beyond school. Microsoft Office Specialist certifications are internationally recognised, Pearson-accredited qualifications that strengthen university, apprenticeship and employment applications, while giving students the confidence and digital skills to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world."
As Arryn prepares to return to the World Championship stage, the entire St Colman's College community will be following his progress and hoping his second appearance ends with a place on the podium.
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Southern Regional College held its annual Celebration of Success award ceremony at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, last Thursday 25 June 2026, recognising the achievements of its students across the academic year. Over sixty awards were presented, with students from Newry and the surrounding area featuring prominently throughout the night.
The awards included Student of the Year prizes across the college's four faculties, four Rising Star awards, forty-one Student Recognition Awards, Medals of Excellence for students successful at WorldSkills competitions, four Employer Choice Awards, and the student choice awards for 'Most Inspirational Classmate' and 'Best Team Player'.
The 'Most Inspirational Classmate' award went to adult returner student Daniel Nugent from Kilkeel, who was commended for his enthusiasm towards work and his willingness to help classmates overcome challenges by sharing his knowledge and experience. 'Best Team Player' was fellow adult returner student Cormac Hughes from Mullaghbawn, who organised study sessions and provided ongoing support to his fellow students. The 'Rising Star' award within the Faculty of Health & Science went to Isabelle O'Grady from Warrenpoint.
Student of the Year within the Faculty of Professional Services was Jochyl Mier from Newry, who works within ABP Food Group. Jochyl became the site's first female Beef Carcass Classifier, breaking new ground and setting an example for others to follow. She was also awarded the Institute of Meats Best Abattoir Worker and Apprentice in February this year.
For the first time, the college presented the 'Terry Keenan Award for Commitment and Excellence in Early Years Practice'. The award honours the memory and legacy of Terry Keenan, a past SRC lecturer and first Coordinator of the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, and was presented by members of Terry's family to student Lily Corry from Newry. Lily is an Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) student at SRC, having begun her journey with a level 2 Childcare programme before progressing through education levels to achieve an honours degree.
Employer Choice Awards were presented to students who impressed their employers through commitment and dedication to their job roles. Securing this award locally was Philip Hamilton from Kilkeel, a Level 2 carpentry and joinery apprentice employed by J and N Joinery. Other notable mentions included Ashleigh McCullough from Kilkeel, a Business HND higher level apprentice working with the Henderson Wholesale Group, and Michelle Burke from Newry, who has published several children's books alongside full-time employment and studying for her foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
The college's engineering students continued to perform strongly, with significant achievements throughout the further and higher education sphere. At Level 3, the NI STEM Racing Car NI Champions were honoured alongside their Level 5 Foundation Degree and Level BEng Honours Degree counterparts, who were successful in qualifying for the Student Formula racing competition at Silverstone in July, as well as national WorldSkills UK success in automation and mechatronics.
The college's sports teams also experienced success, with both the Higher Education football team and GAA team lifting silverware. The football team secured the College University Football Association of Ireland Plate, while the GAA team captured the HE All-Ireland GAA Final trophy.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "Tonight's awards ceremony highlights the exceptional success and commitment of our students. Across all our campuses students have shown what is possible when ambition meets opportunity and when learning is matched by determination. Students who have overcome challenges, discovered passions, pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. While we celebrate their success, we also look towards their future. Whether moving onto further study, employment, or new adventures, we hope that all our students are inspired - not just by their own achievements, but by the achievements of their peers. We congratulate all students who won awards and look forward to seeing what they will achieve."
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St Colman's College, Newry, is celebrating an award-winning year after receiving recognition via three education awards for its approach to teaching and learning. Over recent weeks, the college has been recognised through the Pearson National Teaching Awards, the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards and the Edufuturists Uprising Awards, with judges highlighting a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement that places students at the heart of every decision.
The first success came through the Pearson National Teaching Awards, where St Colman's received a Bronze Award for Transformational Use of Digital Technology. The award recognised the college's long-term commitment to embedding digital learning across the curriculum, developing students' digital fluency and ensuring technology is used purposefully to improve teaching and learning. Students currently achieve around 500 Microsoft Office Specialist certifications each year, leaving school with internationally recognised, employer-valued qualifications alongside their academic studies.
Recognition continued at the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards, where the college was named a finalist alongside partner primary schools St Clare's Abbey Primary School and St Ronan's Primary School. The joint submission celebrated a digital outreach programme that has enabled more than 400 primary pupils in Newry and Mourne to develop their digital creativity, while enabling St Colman's students to mentor younger learners, develop leadership skills and apply their creativity in classroom settings through the Adobe Express Student Ambassador programme.
Most recently, St Colman's was named Secondary School of the Year at the Edufuturists Uprising Awards 2026, a celebration of innovation and future-focused education in Ireland and the UK. Judges praised the college's willingness to listen, reflect and continually improve, highlighting its visible cycle of listening to students, acting on feedback and reviewing the impact of change. They also recognised the college's evidence-led approach to innovation, its Bett-inspired Student Council Table Talks and its sustained delivery of Microsoft Office Specialist certifications preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.
Principal Cormac McKinney welcomed the recognition, saying: "These awards reflect the collective commitment of our entire school community. Innovation has never been about technology for technology's sake. It has always been about improving learning, creating opportunities for our young people and ensuring they leave St Colman's equipped for the future.
"I would like to thank our outstanding staff, supportive parents, governors and, most importantly, our students. Their willingness to embrace new ideas and continually strive for improvement has made this recognition possible."
Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, said the awards reflected years of sustained development rather than any single initiative. "While each award celebrates something slightly different, they all recognise the same underlying philosophy. We believe innovation should always begin with a clear educational purpose and be informed by evidence, research and the voices of our students.
"Recognition through the ICT Excellence Awards over four consecutive years, together with success at the Pearson National Teaching Awards and Edufuturists Uprising Awards, gives us confidence that our approach is making a meaningful difference for our students.
"We constantly challenge ourselves to ask what is working well, what could be improved and how we can provide even better opportunities for our young people. It is incredibly rewarding to see that approach recognised by three independent judging panels."
Vice Principal Helen Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, said: "At St Colman's College, innovation is never an end in itself. Every decision we make is guided by one simple question: will this improve learning and better prepare our young people for life beyond school?
"Whether through digital technologies, recognised industry qualifications, creative partnerships or student leadership opportunities, our aim is to provide an education that is relevant, engaging and equips every pupil with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world."
The college has also continued to share its expertise with the wider education community. Associate Senior Teacher Michael Fegan and Computer Science teacher Anna Carr recently featured on the Education Authority's EdIS eXchange podcast, discussing the college's digital curriculum and approach to teaching and learning. Anna was also invited to present at the Computing at School Northern Ireland Summer Mini-Conference, while Michael has been invited by Adobe to speak at the Adobe Summit in San Francisco later this month, following the success of the college's Adobe Express Student Ambassador programme and primary outreach work.
As St Colman's College looks ahead to the new academic year, the focus remains on building upon these successes through continued collaboration, innovation and a commitment to providing the best educational experience for every student.
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