GCSE RESULTS 2017

Following on from the excellent A-Level results, Down High School pupils were again celebrating success, this time in their GCSE examinations, producing the best results in recent memory and setting a high standard for their A-Level studies. Sixteen pupils gained ten A* or A grades in all ten of their GCSE subjects and every single pupil in Year 12 gained at least five GCSEs at A*-C including English and Mathematics. With more than half of all the grades achieved being A* or A, the school’s assembly hall last Thursday morning was filled with delighted pupils, staff and parents.
Down High School’s Principal, Mrs Maud Perry, was delighted by the successes of the pupils. “Once again, our young people have produced the results that they will need for further study and – later – for the world of work. Their effort, and that of their teachers, support staff and parents has delivered the success that the pupils deserve. While our students are intelligent and ambitious, it is only through effort that they will achieve. As they move into the next phase of school, curiosity and hard work will enable them to meet the challenges of Year 13.” Mrs Perry also hailed the results achieved by pupils in local 11-16 schools, many of whom will be taking their places in Down High School’s Sixth Form in September. “I was delighted to meet with so many young people from the district who wanted to join this thriving community. They will be well looked after, expertly taught and encouraged to achieve their full potential,” she said.
Mrs Perry also noted that while the Northern Ireland figure for pupils achieving at least seven GCSE grades at A*-C is around 93%, the percentage of Down High students who achieved this benchmark was 98.4%. “Down High pupils are among the best qualified of their generation. As we move towards a new school in 2020, it is pleasing to note that our dedicated teachers and well-motivated learners will be taught in the state of the art facilities they deserve. Our pupils’ achievements are superb, but they also thrive because of our extensive extra-curricular programme, which ensures that Down High pupils are enriched, socially confident and ready to take their place as leaders of the future in whatever fields they choose. Congratulations to all of the pupils on these excellent results,” she said.