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Southern Regional College is celebrating another year of academic excellence as students last week received their A-Level results with pride and excitement. Joining thousands of learners across the country, SRC students were rewarded for their hard work and dedication, resulting in an impressive 94.3% overall pass rate.
Several subjects also recorded a remarkable 100% pass rate - Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Nutrition & Food Science, Physics and Sociology, highlighting the high standards of teaching and learning at the College.
Among the high achievers were:
Niamh McParland from Armagh, who achieved an A* in Government & Politics and now plans to pursue her goal of becoming a primary school teacher at either St Mary’s University College or Stranmillis University.
Adam Baird from Dungannon, secured B grades in Biology and Digital Technology and a C in Chemistry, he is set to study Pharmaceutical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast.
Gary Freeburn from Markethill, who received a B in Physics and will now progress to Cardiff University to study Mathematics.
Academic success at SRC extends beyond traditional A-Levels with many students achieving 3 BTEC Distinction Stars (D*D*D*), equivalent to three A* grades at A-level. Among those receiving exceptional results were Erin Wall from Richhill, Sean Rodgers from Warrenpoint and Sophie Miskimmons from Markethill. These students have great plans to pursue university degrees in areas which include Forensic Science, Software Engineering and Occupational Therapy.
Top performing students came from a range of level 3 subject areas, including Applied Science, Business, Construction & the Built Environment, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Health & Social Care, Information Technology, Sport and Exercise and Uniformed Services and 28% of SRC students from BTEC Level 3 qualifications received at least three Distinctions (DDD), the equivalent of three A grades at A-Level.
SRC’s A- Level Academy at the Armagh campus enables students to study a broad curriculum of 14 AS and A2 subjects. This includes STEM subjects of Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry to popular A-Level choices, Government and Politics, Nutrition & Food Science, Sociology and Psychology
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design and Academic Studies at Southern Regional College commented:
“This year’s impressive A-Level results are a true reflection of the hard work, resilience, and dedication that our students have shown, and the unwavering support from the teaching staff. I’m genuinely proud of each one of them, not just for their academic success, but for the personal growth I’ve seen along the way. Huge congratulations to all on these outstanding achievements!”
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.
Potential students interested in studying at Southern Regional College’s A-Level Academy, who have not yet applied, should visit the College’s website www.src.ac.uk to make an application. Once an application has been submitted along with evidence of GCSE results obtained, staff will be in contact to discuss options.
You can also contact the admissions team on 0300 123 1223 or visit the College’s Facebook page www.facebook.com for further information
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One of the north's most distinctive schools competitions is calling on pupils starting Yr. 11 to step up for the new ABP Angus Youth Challenge. Teams of two-four individuals have the chance to win an opportunity of a lifetime that includes a rare chance to gain hands-on experience of beef production with their own mini-herd of Angus cross calves and valuable work-life skills.
Organised by the agrifood business ABP in partnership with Certified Irish Angus, teams can represent a school, club or society in the competition. Following successful participation at a farm-to-fork exhibition this October, four teams will then be shortlisted to enter the finalist’s programme. They will be awarded a mini herd of Angus cross calves, valued at approximately £4,000, to rear through to finishing stage. Guided by a CAFRE adviser, finalists will then sell their finished cattle to ABP and pocket the proceeds from their sale.
The finalist programme runs for a year and is designed to complement GCSE studies with teams working on assignments relating to sustainable beef farming and food production. The programme equips participants with practical knowledge of food production and strengthens skills required to secure employment in the agri-food sector. For many, the highlight of the experience is an international study tour at the end of the summer term.
Entries for the 2025 Challenge open on 1 September and close on 3 October. Entry is by way of a short video submission via the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website. Selected entries will then be invited to an exhibition day at Balmoral Park later in October, where a judging panel will select the finalists. The overall winning team will also secure a £1,000 cheque for their school or club.
George Mullan, ABP’s Managing Director in Northern Ireland, said: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge gives young people a practical insight into the agri-food sector while developing the skills that employers value most. It is about preparing the next generation to take their place in an industry that is vital to Northern Ireland’s economy and sustainable future.”
The competition is open to all 14–15-year-olds, regardless of a farming background and participation can also count towards the skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh/Joint Award. The outgoing finalist teams are Markethill High School, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen and Lecale Trinity Grammar School, Downpatrick. The overall winning team will be announced on 23 October at an awards ceremony in the Logan Hall Balmoral Park.
Further details on how to enter can be obtained by contacting:schools@certifiedirishangus.ie or visit abpangusyouthchallenge.com
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Returning to education after nearly a decade away can feel daunting, but for Declan Heaney it has been life changing. Declan’s journey demonstrates that a second chance at education can be the most rewarding of all and a challenge to be embraced head on.
At eighteen years of age, Declan was headed to university to study Law and Politics with a bright future in front of him. After becoming disillusioned with the course, Declan took up a full-time position lured by the appeal of a paycheck. However, this wasn’t to last after seeing colleagues with degrees advance in the workplace.
Declan said: “Once I started earning, I felt that working was better than studying as I was earning money. But over time, I recognised the long-term value of having a degree. The Covid pandemic really made me reflect, it showed me that higher education makes you more valuable to an organisation and provides better job security.”
The pandemic was the turning point for Declan. While working full-time at Sam Aerospace (NI) Ltd, Declan enrolled as a part-time student at Southern Regional College (SRC), first completing the Business Studies Higher National Diploma (HND) and subsequently the Business Studies BSc (Hons) Degree top-up.
This all proved to be a juggling act. Attending classes, keeping on top of coursework, helping family, all whilst saving and buying his first house, and planning for his upcoming wedding with fiancée Orla, taking place this coming New Year’s Eve 31 December 2025. Declan’s strategy for success involved implementing a strict weekly timetable and planning out studying and coursework to finite detail. Sacrifices were also made. With only 24 hours available in a day, Declan had to forgo his passion for playing football and Gaelic.
Declan added; “I had to be very disciplined, even giving up football over the past two years so I could fully focus on my degree. It was a sacrifice, but one I knew would benefit my future.”
That focus paid off. Declan was named Student of the Year at both his Business Studies BSc (Hons) graduation at the end of August 2025 and his previous Business Studies HND graduation in 2023 at SRC. Declan has also been recognised at the FE Excellence Awards, and in February 2024, he took home the prestigious Vocational Award at the British Education Awards. On winning the British Education Award, Declan added; “I was completely shocked to be nominated as a finalist, winning the award was both humbling and surreal, especially given the calibre of other finalists.”
At the same time, his studies strengthened his career. Declan has applied theory from modules such as supply chain management directly to his work, contributing to a series of promotions at Sam Aerospace leading to his most recent promotion of Tooling Room Lead last September.
So, what can top these achievements? Graduating for a second time with his top-up degree in Business Studies at SRC marks another milestone, but Declan isn’t finished yet. Looking ahead, Declan is keen to continue his advancement in the workplace and move into a senior management position. Long term, ambitions include helping other businesses with the skills he has learnt. He says:
“I would love to own my own business, perhaps offering consultancy services in data analytics. I believe data drives decision-making; you can’t argue with facts. I want to be in a position to use data to analyse issues and offer practical solutions to businesses.”
Declan’s advice to others thinking of returning to higher education, “Be open-minded, take each day as it comes, and don’t shy away from extra reading, it really pays off.”
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When something doesn’t light a fire within you, keep going until you find your passion. Mum of three Emma McVerry from Crossmaglen did just that. Emma recently graduated from the Graphic Design Higher National Diploma at Southern Regional College, on Friday 29 August, and picked up the part-time ‘Student of the Year’ Award for her immense efforts during her programme of study. No stranger to education, Emma has a degree in Software Development from DKiT. However, it wasn’t the right fit.
Like many young people considering their future, Emma had originally intended on becoming a teacher and took A-levels in Religious Studies, Business Studies and ICT, but was swayed down the path of Software Development, as that’s where the job market was.
“When I first went to university, I studied Software Development at DKIT. While I enjoyed working on front-end design, the creative and technical aspects of designing the user interface ensuring they were appealing, user-friendly, and efficient, I didn’t enjoy the back-end coding side of things. It made me realise that my interest lay more in the visual and creative aspects.”
With a Software Development degree under her belt, Emma leaned into her creative side, using the Photoshop and InDesign knowledge she had gained over the years on small projects on the side at home finding enjoyment in that line of work.
A few years later and now with three young children to care for, Emma decided to return to education and study something she genuinely enjoyed, but that would also fit around family life. Emma said:
“The HND in Graphic Design at Southern Regional College felt like the right choice. It was creative, practical, and offered part-time study, which made it manageable alongside other commitments.”
Returning to study is no mean feat. It’s an adjustment for everyone in the household. Emma highlights that one of the most challenging aspects returning to education was the adjustment to allocating time for studies. She says:
“Getting back into the routine for studying was hard at first. That first assignment was overwhelming as it had been years since I’d studied properly and I found it hard to get into the mindset again. But once I got into the rhythm of it, everything clicked.”
For her final project, Emma combined photography and illustration to create ‘Oscar the Brave’, a piece which she and others could get something back from.
“I created a children’s book based on my sister’s horse-riding school, Tate Hill Stables. My sister Amy works with a lot of children with additional needs who have developed an attachment with the horses at the riding school, so I thought it would be nice for the kids to have something their parents could read to them, or the kids themselves could flick through in their own time.”
She continued: “I photographed the stables and the horses and created illustrations for the book called ‘Oscar the Brave’. Alongside the printed book, I made a large physical two-metre-tall wooden book, with laser cutouts, for the end of year exhibition. I then hand painted the wooden pieces to replicate the illustrations in the book.”
Alongside running two social media pages, one which she created to document her coursework and another offering freelance design services, from personalised illustration projects, banners to bespoke gifts, Emma plans on returning to Southern Regional College in September to undertake the part-time Creative Imaging BA (Hons) top-up degree at the College’s Banbridge campus, …where she is already thinking about what she may produce for her final exhibition in 2 years’ time.
Connect with Emma on Instagram via her social media handles @emmamcvdesign or @idesign_emv
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On Friday 29th August, 213 graduands from Southern Regional College proudly graduated from degree and higher national diploma programmes in the vicinity of witnessing friends and family at the Armagh City Hotel.
During the ceremony, a total of nine special awards were presented to this year’s crop of graduands. This included the ‘Outstanding Classmate’ award, voted for by students and eight ‘Student of the Year’ awards, sponsored by local businesses for each of the College’s four faculties.
This year’s ‘Outstanding Classmate’ was Majella Sheppard from Katesbridge who studied the Integrative Counselling level 5 foundation degree at the College’s Newry campus. Majella was highly thought off by her peers who commended her for her dedication to the class, acting as class representative, organising social events for her class and fostering a strong sense of community. Majella was described as ‘one in a million’ by her peers.
Student Awards
Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering
Full-time student of the Year – Jason McVerry from Belleeks, Newry (Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Thompson Aero Seating.
Part-time student of the Year – James Henry from Craigavon, (Engineering (Mechatronics) Foundation Degree), sponsored by Hyster-Yale.
Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies
Full-time student of the Year – Lee Ferguson from Moygashel (Game Development Higher National Diploma) sponsored by The Helix Way.
Part-time student of the Year – Emma McVerry from Crossmaglen (Graphic Design Higher National Diploma), sponsored by Sacia Pack.
Faculty of Health & Science
Full-time student of the Year – Katie Graham from Portadown (Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree), sponsored by Kilmorey Care.
Part-time student of the Year – Victoria Kelly from Portadown (English and History BA (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Newry BID.
Faculty of Professional Services
Full-time student of the Year – Shana Murphy from Caledon (Sport & Exercise Foundation Degree), sponsored by Ellisons Hair & Beauty.
Part-time student of the Year – Declan Heaney from Lurgan (Business Studies BSc (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Stephen’s Catering.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College offered her congratulations to students receiving their degrees:
“It is a pleasure to celebrate with you on this momentous occasion. This day is a result of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. While this graduation is a moment of immense pride for yourselves, take time to thank those who supported you, friends, family and your lecturers who have stood by your side throughout this journey. The qualifications you receive today are a testament to your ambition and passion, as you stand posed to making a difference. Go forward, make your mark and shape the future for all of us. Congratulations to you all”.
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Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School are celebrating the outstanding achievements of their students in their recent GCSE examinations with pupils hard work, dedication, and resilience paying off with exceptional results across the board.
The results reflect not only the talent and determination of the students but also the unwavering support of their teachers, parents, and the entire school community. Staff have gone above and beyond to provide superb educational opportunities and ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed for their future pathways. Parents, too, have played a crucial role, offering encouragement and creating supportive home environments that foster learning and growth.
Principal Mrs Gina Savage said "While we acknowledge every pupil’s journey is different and should be celebrated, several students achieved outstanding results across their GCSE subjects, with 11 students achieving 11 A*/A grades and 27 students in total achieving a minimum of 9 A*/A grades – a phenomenal achievement! Eoin and Odhran’s achievement of 10 A*/1A grades demonstrates exceptional diligence and is to be commended.
"The accomplishments of these students extend beyond the classroom, demonstrating exceptional time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavours."
Mrs Savage concluded "The Abbey community is immensely proud of all our young men. Their success is a testament to what can be achieved when perseverance and community support come together.
"Congratulations to all the students, their families, and their teachers. Your hard work and perseverance have truly shone through, and we look forward to celebrating your continued successes in the years to come."
Pupils who achieved 11 A*/A: Gorman Eoin, Reel Odhran, Devlin Leo, Shiels Ronan, Fitzpatrick-Harkin Conall, Lenkutis Denis, McEntee Keelan, Rooney Eoghan, McSherry Ciaran, Gallagher Conall and Rooney Owen.
Pupils who achieved 9 or more A*/A: Gorman Eoin ,Reel Odhran ,Devlin Leo ,Shiels Ronan ,Fitzpatrick-Harkin Conall, Lenkutis Denis, McEntee Keelan, Rooney Eoghan, McSherry Ciaran, Gallagher Conall, Rooney Owen, Rice Patrick, Voo Ethan, Donnelly Matthew, Ahsan Rayan, Sheridan Justin, Corkery Joseph, De Rose Thomas, Larkin Oliver, McGleenon Tom, Haughey Finn, Quinn Reilly, Mulligan Frank, Nicholl Callum, O'Mahony Jack, Gallagher Ciaran and McCorry Joseph
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This summer, Southern Regional College lecturer William McConnell returned to Uganda for the fifth time, marking twenty-five years since his first visit. A lecturer in carpentry and joinery, William brought not only his professional skills, but also his deep commitment to pastoral care and encouragement. Qualities which have made a lasting impact on all his students across the globe.
Travelling as part of a Boys’ Brigade volunteer team from the Newry, Mourne and Down area, William revisited the village of Kawondwe in Uganda’s Nakasongola district. Since his first trip in 2000, when he helped to roof classrooms and build desks for children who had previously gathered under a tree for lessons, he has witnessed remarkable transformation in the village. What began with the construction of two classrooms blocks for 97 children has grown into a thriving community with a medical centre, a secondary school, and the New Beginnings Orphanage.
On his most recent visit, William’s work included crafting storage cabinets for the orphanage and school, but his influence stretches far beyond the carpentry workshop. For William, returning to Uganda is about investing in people and showing them that they matter. He explained:
“We’re not going out to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in one small part of it. Building the primary school was a turning point. It showed local people the value of hard work, and it taught children the importance of education. But more than that, going back each time shows them they are not forgotten. It’s about encouragement as much as it is about buildings.”
William is inspired by the individual stories of lives changed through education. He mentions Erza, now a young man who he met on his most recent trip. Ezra attended the then newly constructed primary school and went onto complete secondary school at the Bethel Royal High School. Erza is now in his final year of law school in Kampala. For William, these personal journeys are a reminder that hope and opportunity can spread from even the smallest acts of service.
“Sometimes we may go out thinking that we’ll be a blessing to the people there, but often they bless us more.”
For over 30 years, William has poured his energy into guiding young people, whether through football coaching, his leadership in the Boys’ Brigade, or in the classroom at Southern Regional College, where he has taught for two decades. His approach is shaped by his belief in doing things well and encouraging others to reach their potential.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with people, helping them to grow in confidence and skill. For me, quality matters. It’s not about rushing but about doing the job right, and that’s the mindset I try to instil in my students.”
William began his career as a carpentry apprentice in 1979 and today coordinates the Level 3 Carpentry Apprenticeship programme at Southern Regional College, training the next generation of skilled carpenters and joiners. His experience, paired with his pastoral care, has made him a respected figure within the College and beyond.
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “William is an invaluable member of staff. His pastoral care is second to none; he goes above and beyond to ensure students fulfil their potential. His work in Uganda reflects the very best of who he is: generous, compassionate, and driven to make the world a better place. I think we could all take a leaf out of his book. His impact on the college has always been positive, from co-ordinating the level 3 carpentry provision as well as being the CSR coordinator for the College. He has left a real mark, not only on the College and the countless qualified joiners and carpenters he has helped shape, but within the community projects he has been involved in”.
The mission statement of the Boys’ Brigade volunteer team from the Newry, Mourne and Down area is; “By the grace of God to help Ugandans achieve self-sustainability, through the teaching and improvement of skills, promoting hard work and endeavour.”
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Part-time tourism lecturer Kieran Swail has been named as a finalist in the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism. Kieran is one of four finalists in the running to be named as ‘Lecturer of the Year’ at this year’s awards ceremony to be held on Friday 26th September at the Culloden Estate & Spa.
For more than 20 years, Kieran has moved between lecturing and industry, but this year marks the very first time his work has been recognised with a nomination for this prestigious award. His career has been anything but ordinary: from selling corporate, educational, and winter sports tours as a travel consultant, to managing pubs in the hospitality sector, and now driving innovation in travel as an Innovation and Technology Specialist at Southern Regional College. Yet, no matter where his path has taken him, one thing has remained constant, his love of travel. That passion not only fuels his own adventures to new countries but also inspires his students to see the world as full of opportunities.
As part of the shortlisting process, Kieran was interviewed about his teaching style and the ways he connects with students. While he makes strong use of audio and visual learning techniques, he believes teaching goes far beyond simply delivering the curriculum. For Kieran, lecturing is a multi-faceted role, one that’s as much about inspiring, guiding, and supporting students as it is about covering the course content.
"As a lecturer, you walk into every room knowing your students bring their own lives, challenges, and distractions with them. It’s not about standing at the front and projecting loudly; it’s about finding the right way to connect. That means adapting your approach, drawing on coaching and mentoring as much as teaching.”
“The same skills I use working with businesses apply to guiding 17-year-olds, because learning doesn’t click for everyone in the same way. It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them move forward. That's part of why I enjoy teaching in further education so much."
Given his love for travelling, Kieran has beaten a well-travelled path throughout Europe and Canada. Whilst Kieran is keen to revisit these areas, countries that remain on his bucket list include Colombia, New Zealand and Egypt together with expanding student’s horizons.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “We are delighted to see Kieran shortlisted for ‘Lecturer of the Year’ at this year’s Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism. Kieran is well known for his enthusiasm and passion for the Hospitality and Tourism industry, and he is always keen to share this with students and colleagues. Kieran has a wealth of knowledge and is a very dedicated staff member at SRC, and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. The Hospitality and Tourism team at SRC wish Kieran the very best of luck at this year’s final.”
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Two Southern Regional College students have won bronze in Industry 4.0 at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark. Caolan McCartan (24) from Camlough and Patrick Sheerin (24) from Portadown recently secured the medal as part of Team UK's 19-strong delegation competing against 600 young professionals from across Europe.
The competition ran from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 September, with competitors tested across multiple technical disciplines.
Patrick and Caolan qualified for Team UK following their gold medal performance at the WorldSkills UK national competition in Manchester last November. They subsequently completed months of intensive training with Team UK training manager Marcin Regulski, including pressure tests and bootcamps leading up to the European competition.
Both students began their WorldSkills journey during higher level apprenticeships at Southern Regional College under engineering and mechatronics lecturer Seán MacDiarmada. Caolan is employed by Camlough engineering firm Pronto Engineering Group while completing the final year of his Mechatronics foundation degree higher level apprenticeship at SRC and Patrick graduated in 2024 with an Engineering BEng (Hons) degree and now works as a Mechanical Engineer with Portadown-based AJ Power.
Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, commented: "A huge congratulations to the whole of Team UK on their outstanding performance at EuroSkills Herning. As a College, we are especially proud of Patrick Sheerin and Caolan McCartan for securing a well-deserved bronze medal at this international competition.
“We are incredibly proud of all our students who have taken part in the WorldSkills series and have pushed themselves to excel. Their determination, drive and dedication to excel is truly commendable."
Five SRC students competed at the European event in total. Recent Engineering BEng graduates John Doherty and Jason McVerry competed in mechatronics, while electrical installation apprentice Jonathan Gough represented Team UK in the electrical installation category.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: "We are incredibly proud of the whole of Team UK, who have shown commitment, determination and resilience over three days of intense competition. EuroSkills is a key part of our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
"We selected a young, driven team that show huge potential to develop into world-class skilled professionals, to compete against more experienced competitors from across Europe. This has allowed the team to accelerate their development through the unique opportunity of competition at the highest level, in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We are firmly on track to showcase the very best of UK skills on the global stage next year."
Team UK will continue training with the WorldSkills UK squad ahead of potential selection for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The event, known as the 'Skills Olympics', takes place from 22 to 27 September 2026 and attracts government representatives, educationalists and employers from around the world.
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