VIDEO: Larne Grammar pupils excel in A Level exams

Pupils achieving three A* to C grades, the Department of Education’s key measure of performance, has risen to 71 per cent with over nine per cent of entries achieving the coveted A* grade.

The strength of this year group was also shown in the fact that almost two thirds of entries received an A*, A or B grade.

The highest performer in the year group was Jonny Barry, formerly of Toreagh Primary School, who achieved an incredible four A* grades in computing, design & technology, physics and mathematics.

This outstanding achievement enables him to take up his place at St John’s College, Cambridge, to study Engineering. Jonny was clearly delighted with his results.

“I’m still a little bit in shock,” he said. “I’m completely over the moon with my results.”

Jocelyn Hill, formerly of Kilcoan Primary School, came a close second with a fantastic three A*s and one A grade in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. She will now go on to study medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Commenting on her results Jocelyn said: “I’m very pleased with my results and I’m thankful to all my teachers who helped me to achieve them.”

Joint third place in the year was held by Katie Kane and former Head Boy, Calum McKay. Both of these pupils were awarded three A* grades. Katie will now take her place at Queen’s University to study mechanical engineering while Calum will head to Cambridge to study veterinary medicine at Emmanuel College.

A further nine pupils, Tegan Bodles, James Brown, Alison Gilliland, Melanie Hamilton, Rachel Irvine, Rachel McIlroy, Eve Pijl, Amy Shepherd and Terry O’Donnell completed the group of pupils who received three A grades or higher.

There was also success for those receiving AS results. Sarah Armstrong, Paul Cameron, Callum McRoberts and Callum Sittlington were awarded four A grades.

Megan Boyd, Ellie Carmichael, Heather Clarke and Christie Miskelly gained three As and one B, while Georgia Logan and Kiera McKay obtained three straight A grades.

The results achieved by the AS students provides a solid basis for them to succeed in next year’s A Level examinations.

Commenting on the results, Jonathan Wylie, Principal of Larne Grammar School, said: “A Level results day is one of the highlights of the school year and it has been lovely to celebrate with our pupils this morning.

“Last year’s Upper Sixth were a special cohort of pupils and we are delighted at the success that they have achieved. It is pleasing to see the school’s performance improve once again but it is even more gratifying to witness the success of the individual pupils who have worked so hard throughout their time in the school. I wish our leavers every success for the future.”