THERE were joyous scenes across schools in North Belfast on Thursday morning on A-Level results day.

The grades were the result of the first summer exams to be held for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At Blessed Trinity College, Principal Jim McKeever commended pupils on their results.

"The staff of Blessed Trinity are absolutely delighted with the outstanding results achieved this morning by our wonderful Year 14 students, which is a testament to the incredible work of the staff in the school," he said.

"Our 200-strong Year Group have achieved an amazing 85 per cent A*-C grades at A-Level, for which they are to be highly commended, given the many challenges faced through the pandemic.

"Our students are a credit to their school, families and the whole North Belfast Community. We wish them every success in the future."

Over at Edmund Rice College in Glengormley, over 70 per ceng of pupils achieved three or more A Level grades at A*-C. 100% of pupils attained two A Levels at these top grades for the fourth successive year. 

Furthermore, eight Departments are celebrating 100 per cent pass rate in their subjects, a phenomenal feat, given the nature of the challenging times endured over the past number of years.

Principal Paul Berne praised the work ethic and commitment shown by the pupils, staff and parents.

“These results are testimony to the hard work and dedication, demonstrated first and foremost, by our pupils," he said.

"For many of them, this was the first set of official external examinations they had ever sat after seven years of post-primary school. To achieve such a wonderful set of results is nothing short of outstanding. 

"Quite a number of pupils achieved three A*s. We are blessed with a staff team that give everything and are wholly committed to delivering the highest quality teaching and learning, which helps all our pupils achieve their full potential. 

"I must also give special mention to our parents who work tirelessly to support the school and our pupils, enabling them to succeed. We could not do this without them.

"I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together and all at Edmund Rice College wish our leavers every success in their future endeavours.”

Over at Hazelwood Integrated College, a fantastic 75 per cent of students achieved three A Levels, grades A* to C.

Proud Hazelwood Integrated College Librarian Jackie Braun and her son Sebastian Braun
2Gallery

Proud Hazelwood Integrated College Librarian Jackie Braun and her son Sebastian Braun

Top performing students include Angelica Rillon who achieved an A in Media Studies, an A in Life and Health Science and an A in Health & Social Care and is off to Queen’s University to study Psychology, Sarah Watson achieved an A in Performing Arts, an A in Photography and an A in Moving Image Arts.

Another notable performance came from Kieran Patton who achieved an A* in ICT, an A in Moving Image Arts and a B in History. 

Results this year have been excellent across the whole curriculum with subjects such as Art, History, Construction, Child Development, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism achieving 100% success at grades A*-C. 

The fantastic results come on the back of the College being awarded the prestigious TES UK Secondary School of the Year award for 2022.

Principal, Máire Thompson said she was delighted with the results.

“I am so proud of all our students, they have shown so much resilience and determination and their hard work has paid off," she said.

"I would also like to commend our teaching staff, support staff and the wider educational community for going above and beyond for our students”.