Rathfriland High is ‘still competing with the best’

Mr Brian Wilson was praising his pupils after receiving their results on Thursday.

“Rathfriland High School continues to pride itself in being a straightforward, friendly and family orientated school that provides a very positive, broad and well designed curriculum for a wide range of pupils with differing abilities.

“Consistently this school has remained ‘up there’ as one of the best in terms of achievement at GCSE. In 2010 and 2011; as a small Secondary School we were ranked high in the province and this year we continue to be competitive with the best.

“Our consistent success at this level once again demonstrates the considerable ability of our pupils and the excellent commitment of the teachers supporting them.“

More than 78% of pupils at Rathfriland hit the DENI target of five grades, A-C and 59% including English and Mathematics.

Mr Wilson added, “33% achieved 11A* to C, 48% achieved 10A* to C and 70% achieved seven or more GCSEs A* to C.

“I must congratulate all of them on their terrific success and must also thank all parents for the support they provide throughout the year; without which much of this excellent success would not be possible.”

Mr Wilson went on to mention some of the school’s high achievers, including Wendy Cochrane who received seven A*s and four As; Toni-Louise O’Donovan who scored 5As and 5Bs; James Ward who received two A*s, four As, four Bs, and a C; Paul Wilson who managed four As, six Bs, and a C; Rachel Harmon who got two A*s, three As, four Bs, and two Cs; Jessica Keown who got two A*s, two As, six Bs, and a C; and Katie Rooney who got two A*s, two As, and seven Bs.

“The academic profile of the pupils listed continues to compare favourably with our selective schools and demonstrates that all children can access a quality education in the non selective sector,” added Mr Wilson.

“This has been an excellent year for Rathfriland High School; outstanding academic achievement, an oversubscribed year eight, with our enrolment at its highest for many years, sound finances, high quality buildings with new music suite and IT investment and reinforcement from the SELB audit that our school uniquely serves this community and that it remains highly viable.