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Newry man Yousef Almahamed (23) has been named Student of the Year within the Faculty of Professional Services at Southern Regional College, having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science. The award was presented at SRC's graduation ceremony on Friday 28 August 2026, marking a major milestone in a journey that began with Yousef and his family fleeing conflict in Syria.
Yousef has lived in Newry with his family for the past ten years, having found a new life and opportunities in Northern Ireland after seeking refuge from Syria. Upon relocating, he learnt English with the help of retired Sister of Mercy Annie Jo Heduan and YouTube videos, and went on to gain GCSEs, a BTEC equivalent to three A-levels in Sport and Exercise Science, a foundation degree and now an honours degree with SRC.
Yousef is not finished yet, with plans to begin a masters in Sports Coaching and Performance this September. Reflecting on the challenges of learning English as a speaker of other languages while attending school and college and sitting exams in an unfamiliar language, he said determination has been key throughout. He said: "You have to set your own goals and get on with the actual work."
Sport has always been Yousef's main interest, though he points out that his degree covers far more than that, giving him in-depth knowledge of physiology, psychology, nutrition and coaching. He hopes this may one day lead him to a career coaching or training top football teams, or even returning to education as a lecturer.
Throughout his educational journey, Yousef's most dedicated supporters have been his mum and dad, who proudly watched him cross the stage at SRC's graduation ceremony to receive his degree certificate. He was joined by Annie Jo Heduan, who first taught him English and has since become a close family friend.
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More than 200 graduands from Southern Regional College have celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel on Friday 28 August. Family, friends and College staff gathered to mark the occasion as students received degree and higher national diploma qualifications as well as Student of the Year Awards.
Fearghal Murphy from Killeavy received the Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering Part-time Student of the Year award for his Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree, sponsored by Newry BID.
Yousef Almahamed from Newry received the Faculty of Professional Services Part-time Student of the Year award for his Sport & Exercise BSc (Hons) Degree, sponsored by Stephen's Catering.
Nine special awards were presented during the ceremony in total, including the Outstanding Classmate award, voted for by fellow students, and eight Student of the Year awards sponsored by local businesses representing the College's four faculties. This year's Outstanding Classmate was Michaela O'Neill from Lurgan, who undertook the Counselling Studies Level 4 Certificate at the College's Banbridge campus. O'Neill was highly regarded by her peers, who commended her for the support she provided to each classmate. She was also praised for her personal growth and willingness to reflect on and apply what she had learnt throughout the academic year.
Other Student of the Year award winners were Neil King from Warrenpoint, who received the Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering Full-time award for his Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree, sponsored by MTM Engineering, and Matthew Peters from Newcastle, who received the Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies Full-time award for his Creative Music & Audio Production Foundation Degree, sponsored by SRC. Aaron Mitchell from Donaghcloney received the Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies Part-time award for his Creative Media Production - Film Higher National Diploma, sponsored by Deli Lites.
In the Faculty of Health & Science, Katie Bell from Banbridge received the Full-time award for her Health & Social Care Foundation Degree, sponsored by SRC, while Lauren Toale from Jonesborough received the Part-time award for her Healthcare Practice Certificate of Higher Education, sponsored by Avondale Foods. Jasmin Cullen from Kilkeel received the Faculty of Professional Services Full-time award for her Sport & Exercise Foundation Degree, sponsored by Ellisons Hair & Beauty.
Guest speaker at the ceremony was Caroline McKenna, who inspired graduands with her career journey since obtaining her own educational qualifications. McKenna is well known for documenting her career journey in Australia as a teacher in the podcast "A County Down Under". She has since returned home setting up Nuturing Minds tutoring services and more recently opening a pilates studio. Her key message to graduands was to be curious to try new challenges, be brave enough to accept setbacks, and to be able to pivot and adapt as they move through life's challenges.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, offered her congratulations to students receiving their degrees. She said: "Graduation is a significant achievement and a moment to reflect on the dedication, resilience and hard work that has brought our students to this point. On behalf of everyone at Southern Regional College, I extend my congratulations to our Class of 2026 and to the families, friends, employers and staff who have supported them throughout their journey. Our graduates leave the College with much more than a qualification. They take with them the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience to make a positive contribution to their communities, workplaces and wider society. As they take their next steps, whether progressing into employment, further study or new opportunities, I encourage all our graduates to be ambitious, embrace every opportunity and continue learning. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and wish them every success for the future."
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Translink is encouraging pupils and parents to plan ahead and check travel arrangements as school services return from Tuesday 1 September. More than 60,000 pupils travel on bus and rail services every day, making the return to school one of the busiest periods of the year across the north's public transport network.
To support a safe return to school, parents and pupils are being encouraged to check timetables before the new term starts, allow extra time for journeys during the first few weeks, and remember to tap their Smartpass every time they travel. Translink has worked closely with the Education Authority to prepare for the return to school and ensure services are ready for increased demand.
Chris McLean, Translink's Director of Commercial Operations, said, "Starting a new school year is an important and often busy time for families, and our teams are ready to welcome pupils back on board." He said, "The first few weeks of term are always particularly busy as travel patterns settle. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead, check journey details before travelling and allow a little extra time where possible." McLean said safety remained the number one priority, adding, "We are reminding all pupils to stay alert when travelling and to take extra care around buses, trains, roads, stations and platforms. Distractions such as mobile phones and headphones can reduce awareness of potential hazards, so we encourage young people to stay vigilant, particularly when boarding, getting off services or crossing roads."
McLean said pupils eligible for free school transport and issued with a pupil smartpass should remember to tap their pass every time they board, which helps Translink understand travel demand and supports the efficient operation of school services. He said those not eligible for an EA Smartpass could avail of a range of ticket options offering value for regular travel, and that students returning to Year 13 could apply for a free yLink card, offering discounted bus and rail travel for everyone aged 16 to 23 in Northern Ireland. McLean added that pupils aged 13 to 16 could also avail of the free Translink Digital Travel ID Card, which allows them to securely prove their identity and age when travelling on the Translink network and entitles them to the child fare for all bus and rail journeys. He thanked parents, pupils and schools for their patience and support as services settle into the new school term.
Tracy Kennedy, Director of Transport at the Education Authority, said, "The start of a new school year is an important time for pupils, families and school communities across Northern Ireland. We work closely with Translink throughout the year to help ensure eligible pupils can access safe, reliable transport to and from school. We encourage parents and pupils to plan ahead, make use of available travel information and remind young people to travel safely at all times. We wish all pupils a positive and successful start to the new academic year."
Parents, guardians and pupils are encouraged to use the Journey Planner app or visit the School Services section of the Translink website to check timetables and plan journeys before travelling. Further information is available at www.translink.co.uk/schoolservices or by contacting the Translink Contact Centre on 02890 666630.
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Southern Regional College (SRC) has invested £55,000 in two humanoid robots as part of its continued investment in technology for students. The robots which have made an appearance on 'This Morning' will become part of the learning experience from the start of the new academic year.
The pair, a Unitree G1 and a Unitree G1 Educational (EDU) model, will give students the chance to move beyond theory and gain hands on experience with the technologies shaping future workplaces. Students will have opportunities to programme the robots, test artificial intelligence models and explore robotics, automation, computer vision, sensors and software development. The EDU model offers even greater possibilities, designed for universities, research laboratories and software engineers, with enhanced specifications that allow users to write custom code, test AI models and directly control the robot's joint movements.
Name That Robot
As part of their official welcome to college life, the two robots are now in need of names. SRC is inviting students and members of the public to submit suggestions for both humanoid robots, with a goodie bag on offer for the winning entries. Submissions can be made via forms.cloud.microsoft before midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Degree level students will use the robots to build and develop skills in robotics and automation, programming and software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer vision and sensor technology. The projects will also challenge students to develop skills in problem-solving, troubleshooting, experimentation, research and multidisciplinary working, while Further Education students will have opportunities to interact with the robots and incorporate them into project-based learning.
So far the robots have had a soft introduction to college life, appearing at several events showing off their dance moves and attracting plenty of attention. That comes to an end with the start of the new academic year, when the work begins in earnest.
Stephen Herron, Computing Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, commented on the investment. "SRC's investment in humanoid robotics gives students the opportunity to move beyond simulation and theory and work directly with emerging robotic technology. Students will be able to explore programming, artificial intelligence, computer vision, automation and robot control using a physical humanoid platform, developing practical skills and experience relevant to the technologies and workplaces of the future."
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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.
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.
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The Principal and teachers at Sacred Heart Grammar School have extended their warmest congratulations to students as they received their GCSE results today 20 August.
Schools' throughout the district saw pupils arrive first thing this morning to collect their results.
Principal Shane Comer said: "With an incredible 94% of pupils achieving 7 or more A*- C including English and Mathematics today’s results are a powerful testament to the sheer determination, resilience and academic focus displayed by our students."
The vital role played by the school's dedicated staff, supportive parents and guardians was acknowledged.
Mr Comer added: "As these young people prepare for their next steps, the school wishes them the absolute best in their future endeavours, whether they are returning to continue their studies, moving on to higher education, or embarking on their chosen employment and training pathways."
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Pupils from St Joseph's Boys' High School in Newry celebrated their achievements today as GCSE results were announced. Deirdre Graffin, Senior Education Adviser for the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) in Northern Ireland visited the school this morning to support and congratulate the students as they received their qualifications.
Speaking at the event Principal Mrs Jeaneanne Muckian said: "Your hard work, resilience and determination have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
Mrs Muckian wished the pupils every success, happiness and fulfilment for the future as they took their next steps whether that was into further education, training, employment or a new adventure.
She thanked the school's incredible teaching and support staff for their dedication, encouragement and commitment to the students. "Your hard work has helped make these achievements possible."
Parents and carers were also thanked for their unwavering support, encouragement and belief in the young people throughout their GCSE journey.
Mrs Muckian concluded "Today is a day to celebrate - Well done to the Class of 2026! We are so proud of you!"
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Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry is celebrating the achievements of its Year 14 class of 2026, with students securing places at universities including Oxford and Harvard, as well as Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University and other institutions. Others in the group are also set to begin Higher Level Apprenticeships.
This year's results reflect the depth and breadth of talent within the school community, with students demonstrating the results of their hard work in 30 A-Level subjects. The school said the achievement reflects years of dedicated teaching, the ethos of Edmund Rice, and another generation of well-rounded young Abbey men.
Principal Mrs Savage said she could not be more proud of every one of the school's Year 14 students. She said they had worked with dedication, resilience and a real sense of ambition, and that the school community was proud to celebrate that effort with them.
Mrs Savage said students in the Class of 2026 were heading to destinations including Oxbridge, Harvard, Queen's, Trinity and Ulster, as well as Higher Level Apprenticeships and other destinations throughout Ireland, Scotland and England. She said she was particularly pleased with the number of students this year who had been accepted to their first choice destination. "They leave here as Abbey men, filled with values we hope stay with them on their next adventure, and we can't wait to welcome them back to Ashgrove Road and hear all about it. Congratulations Class of 2026!"
Abbey CBGS extended its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026, their families, and the staff who supported them throughout their studies.
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Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry are celebrating an exceptional year of A Level results with 91% of their Upper Sixth students achieving three or more A Levels at grades A* to C. 96% of all grades awarded were at A to C*, 80% at A*- B and 42% at A*- A. A total of 27 students in the year group attained 3 or more A*/A grades.
Commenting on the results, Principal, Mrs Fiona McAlinden thanked the teachers for their dedication and commitment to ensure that every student met her full potential and all of the school staff and parents for their support. “We are immensely proud of our students who have approached their studies with dedication, courage and a willingness to challenge themselves. More importantly, they leave Our Lady’s as well-rounded young people, ready to contribute to our local community and beyond."
Mrs McAlinden concluded: "As they move forward to new opportunities and experiences, we are confident that they will continue to learn, grow and strive for excellence, living out Mother Catherine McAuley's call to be 'good today, but better tomorrow.”
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated the pupils who received their results yesterday. Minister Givan said: “Congratulations to all of the young people receiving their results today. Behind each grade is a story of effort, resilience and self-belief, and you should all be proud of what you've achieved.
“Once again, pupils across Northern Ireland have worked incredibly hard to reach this point. I wish every one of them well as they move forward, whether that’s into further or higher education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.”
The Minister added: “If your results aren't quite what you hoped for, please remember that one set of results does not define you or your future. There is a wide range of paths open to you, and I'd encourage you to talk things through with your school or college, look at all the options available, and give yourself time to decide what's right for you.”
Paul Givan concluded: “I also want to thank the teachers, school leaders and support staff who have guided and encouraged young people throughout their education. Their dedication makes a real difference every day, and today's achievements reflect the hard work of school communities right across Northern Ireland.”
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