St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena

St Louis Grammar School is a school in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

History

The school was established in 1924, as the convent of nuns from the St. Louis Order opened their doors to local girls. In 1970 the first boys were admitted and it became co-educational.

In March 2014, a £4,000,000 grant was awarded to the school for the renovation and extension of Kintullagh house, providing state of the art performing arts facilities. Completion was targeted to be achieved by February 2018. As of July 2018, construction is still on going.

Academics

Besides the GCSE core subjects of English/English Literature, Mathematics, Religious Education and Science the following optional GCSE subjects are offered to pupils in Key Stage 4: Further Mathematics, Art & Design, Business Studies, Construction, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, Information & Communication Technology, Irish, Music, Physical Education and Spanish.

Post 16 pupils are offered a choice of 3 or 4 A-Levels.

In 2018 it was ranked joint first in Northern Ireland for its GCSE performance with 100% of its entrants receiving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, including the core subjects English and Maths.^[1]

In 2018 it was ranked First among secondary schools in Northern Ireland in terms of its A-level performance. A total of 96.5% of its students entered for A-Levels achieved a grade of A* - C.^[2]

Sports achievements

• Winners of Mageean Cup (Ulster Colleges' Senior Hurling Championship) 2015-16

Notable alumni

• Michael Hughes - retired footballer and co-owner of NIFL Premiership side Carrick Rangers.
• Michael O'Neill - football manager and former professional footballer
• Tara McNeill - musician
• Daithi McKay - North Antrim MLA (2007-2016) and Belfast Telegraph columnist
• Mark Cousins - Filmmaker and critic

References