Headmaster’s Report 2025/26

Mr Chairman, Mr Meade, members of the Board of Governors, our former Principal Mr Pollock, partner Primary School Principals, colleagues, parents, ladies and gentlemen and, most importantly, our prize winners, welcome to Prize Day – it is a privilege to present my twelfth Annual Report in Banbridge Academy.

I think we can all agree it is great to be able to gather as a school community in this beautiful building.  A special thanks to the Select Vestry and the Rector of Holy Trinity, the Rev Nixon for the warmth of their welcome.

Mr Mathers will later outline the distinguished career of our Guest of Honour.  Many of you will know David as a presenter and inspirational speaker; I must confess, I thoroughly enjoyed watching his extraordinary talents on television and have always marvelled at his seemingly mystical powers.  I ask everyone to give an appropriate Academy welcome to our Guest of Honour, world-wide inspirational speaker, broadcaster, mentalist and Academy parent – Mr David Meade.

Applause

Anyone who knows the Academy well understands the vital role the support staff play in maintaining our special ethos.  I thank the office, the technical and support staff for running the school on a daily basis.  I record a special word of thanks to my PA and one of our parents, Mrs Joanne Stewart, for her personal dedication and support.

We continue to remain true to the Academy’s central aim – for everyone to be happy at school, known personally and cared for individually and our collective vision for the school – Belong | Aspire | Achieve.  Our special ethos is due to the quality of relationships across our community, and I thank the Academy Association and their Chair, Mrs Audrey Wilson-Reid, for their unstinting support and dedication to the school.  I strongly encourage everyone to come along and support their events; the pre-loved uniform shop has been supported by nearly 2/3 of our parents.  In my view the Christmas Craft Fair is the best ticket in town in the run-up to Christmas.

Today I will only be able to provide a brief outline of the past academic year.  However, I record my thanks to Miss Greenlee, in her first year as the School Magazine co-ordinator, and to her team who will compile a wonderful record of the school year in our School Magazine.  I also encourage you to visit the school website and follow us on social media, to keep up to date with the success of our students.

At the end of the year, we wished a long and happy retirement to Mrs Helen Singer (Pupil Welfare Auxiliary), Mrs Noreen Hazley (Art and Home Economics Technician), Mrs Helen Stewart (Head of German), Mrs Helen Cartmill (English Teacher) and Mr William Cromie (former Head of English and Senior Teacher).  Together they gave over 187 years of outstanding service to generations of pupils in Banbridge Academy – I think they deserve a special round of applause.  We also wish Mrs Billie Callan-Rushe every success as she continues her teaching career in Bangor Academy.  We welcomed several permanent appointments at the start of term – Miss McAtee (English), Mr McAuley (Spanish & French), Mr Robinson (Technology & Design) and Mrs McKinstry (Art & Home Economics Technician).  We welcome them to the Academy and trust they enjoy working in our happy community.

As my colleagues and the community have heard me say repeatedly, high-quality outcomes are secured when leadership is distributed effectively across the school.  There were several internal promotions:  Mr Reaney (Year Head), Mr Thompson (Temporary Year Head) and Mr McAuley (Temporary Year Head).

Our students achieved amazing outcomes in public examinations.  At A Level over 87% of all pupils achieved 3 A*- C grades and almost a quarter of the year group obtained 3 A grades or better – quite incredible outcomes.  With Reuben Robinson and Luke Stafford obtaining 4 A* grades.  Sienna Scullion was successful in being awarded a place to study Languages at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford and Ellie Crimmins was awarded a place to study Law at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge.  An ever-increasing number of students pursue higher level apprenticeships – more than 10 this year, with companies including Almac, Norbrook, Citi and A&O Shearman.

AS Level results were impressive, 86.3% of all entries were A – C grades.  These results provide an excellent foundation on which to build for A Level success in 2027.

At GCSE, despite being a non-selective entry, the students attained tremendous results – 99% of the students achieved at least 5 A*- C grades, including English and Mathematics and more impressively over 95% of the students achieved over 7 A*- C grades, including English and Mathematics.

The pupils, parents and teachers of the Academy are to be thoroughly congratulated.  These results reflect that the students of the Academy consistently perform significantly above the NI Grammar School average and according to the Sunday Times – place the Academy as an extremely high performing school in the UK and 8^th in Northern Ireland – some feat considering we are co-educational.  However, more importantly the high-quality examination outcomes ensure that our young people can continue with their chosen career pathways.  We wish the Class of 2026 every success in the next stage of their educational journey.

The education of our young people involves a partnership, and I pay tribute to my colleagues in our primary schools who have created the foundation for the success our students enjoy.  I also pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the Academy; their professional approach has undoubtedly underpinned this success.  Likewise, the ongoing support provided by our parents and the wider community is to be praised.  I ask the pupils to show their appreciation to their parents and my colleagues.

Applause

The Academy continues to be at the forefront of Education in Northern Ireland.  Many guests visited the school, including the High Sheriff of County Down Lieutenant Colonel Peter Leckey VR who spoke to our Army Cadet Force and his High Sheriff successor Dr Ivor Cairns who addressed our Medical Society, Mr David McCorkell KStJ (His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim) spoke with the Senior Prefects about the importance of leadership across society.  We were also pleased to welcome the Chinese Consul General, Mr Li Nan, whose visit reflected the continuing success of our Confucius Classroom partnership with Ulster University and our partner primary schools.  Other visitors included – Mr David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education and Mrs Faustina Graham, Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate.

The wider community continues to support the Academy, we thank the James Kane Foundation for awarding the school a grant, which enabled us to offer bespoke support to disadvantaged students.

Numerous Sixth Form students travelled to the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast to participate in the prestigious Bar Mock Trial competition – testing and developing their legal skills while presenting their cases before serving judges.  Through the SistersIN Leadership Programme, several of our students were paired with inspiring female leaders from across Northern Ireland.  Junior and Senior Debating continued to flourish, with large numbers of pupils participating enthusiastically throughout the year.

Adam Zembrzuski was awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship – a prestigious national award that recognises outstanding potential in engineering and technical leadership.

Pupils enjoyed outstanding national success in the Schools’ Bible Project, with Isaac Ball awarded 1^st Prize and Beth Gibson receiving 3^rd Prize; both rewarded with a trip to Westminster.  A further 14 pupils received runner-up prizes, reflecting the enthusiasm, creativity and high standard of entries.

A multitude of departmental and co-curricular visits and activities took place across the Art, Careers, English, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music, Psychology, Politics, Religious Studies, Science and Technology departments.  These activities and visits nurtured our students’ understanding and provided crucial opportunities to develop key life skills.

Careers education continued to flourish through the PeopleHawk platform, mock interviews and Young Enterprise programmes including ‘Step Up’, the ‘10X Challenge’ and ‘You’re Hired’.  The Academy was yet again recognised as a NI Young Enterprise Centre of Excellence, while Sixth Form students participated in the Young Enterprise Company Programme and 12 achieved significant success in the Ulster University Assessment in Enterprise.

Our students benefited from valuable trips and international travel opportunities, with over 100 pupils enjoying the annual ski trip to Austria.  Large numbers continue to participate in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Students across the school continued to learn languages and develop a greater understanding of other cultures – celebrating the European Day of Languages, participating in the French exchange trip and the Spanish department visit to Madrid.  The visits combined language learning with cultural experiences, enabling our pupils to develop their confidence and deepen their understanding of modern languages and culture.

Against over 40,000 UK and International students, GCSE pupils were placed in the top 10% worldwide in the Biology Challenge Competition.  Year 9 students qualified and competed successfully in the UK Kangaroo Maths Challenge.  The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, run by the Queen’s College Translation Exchange at the University of Oxford, saw Sarah Cousins in Year 11 awarded the Area Winner for Northern Ireland, while many others were highly commended.

Our Shared Education Partnership continued to flourish, with Sixth Form students joining pupils from Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School and Our Lady’s Grammar School for a thought-provoking session led by one our former students, Professor Deirdre Heenan, on reconciliation, and reform.  Her reflections on Northern Ireland’s past, present and future encouraged students to think critically about leadership, collaboration and the important role young people can play in building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

The Academy’s ethos continues to focus on care and concern for others.  Students embraced a wide range of volunteering opportunities, including community support, environmental teams and wellbeing champions.  Under the leadership of Mrs Leslie, pupils and staff demonstrated remarkable generosity through fundraising initiatives such as the Christmas jumper day, BA’s Got Talent and the Belfast Marathon Relay, supporting charities including Age NI, B Positive and the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

In addition, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland was a particular focus of our fundraising this year, supported through the Christmas Carol Service, a non-uniform day and the Class of 2026 charity football match.  Mr Miskelly further supported this vital service by arranging a tremendous pupil spinathon and undertaking a cycle across Ireland, helping to raise more than £10,000.  Thanks to Mr Beacom, an incredibly successful and memorable Talent Show for charity was hosted by the pupils in the run-up to Christmas.

Our pastoral curriculum was enhanced by external speakers on gambling, substance misuse, online safety and relationships and sexuality education.  Students also received CPR and safe-driving training, while the Health and Wellbeing Programme and bespoke ‘Skills for Life’ days helped pupils develop resilience, confidence and practical life skills.

Thanks to the efforts of colleagues, pupils continue to have the opportunity to participate in a vast array of extra-curricular activities and House Competitions, including Sports Day, with Crozier winning the fiercely contested House competition.

The sold-out production of Little Women showcased outstanding acting, music and dance while developing confidence, teamwork and creativity.  Special thanks to Mrs Dickison and Miss Galashan for their tremendous work in directing their first Academy production.

During the year we enjoyed a wonderful Carol Service and a magnificent Spring Concert.  I thank our Music Department, under the leadership of Mrs Munton and Mrs Qua for the musical items we will enjoy today.  Many individuals excelled in choral and instrumental competitions – for the 3^rd year Maggie Parton played with the National Youth Concert Band, this year alongside her sister, Eilidh as well as brothers Sam and Tom Campbell and Arthur Rooney.  Maggie also performed with National Youth Jazz Collective.

An amazing 31 pupils were offered places in the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland, equating to 44 Choir offers across the Junior, Girls, Training and Senior Choirs.

Due to time, I will only briefly outline another fantastic year of sporting success for the Academy.  This year 75 students received Full Colours and a further 50 received Half Colours for their exceptional performance and commitment in a school-related discipline.  Highlighting the depth of quality of our teams, five Academy teams were shortlisted at the Belfast Telegraph NI Sports Awards: Girls’ Hockey 1^st XI, Girls’ Hockey U14, Boys’ Hockey 1^st XI, Archery Team and Minor Girls’ Swimming Team.  Our Teams secured numerous Ulster and Irish titles; alongside approximately 40 individual students who received either National or International Caps across a wide range of sports.

The Physique Award for sporting excellence was awarded to this year’s Deputy Head Girl Emma Stewart – recognising her record-breaking athletics season across cross-country and track.  Representing Northern Ireland and Ulster, she won the Women’s U20 race at the Home Countries and Celtic International Cross-Country Championships, finished 3^rd at the Irish Schools’ Cross-Country Championships, and was the leading female athlete for the NI and Ulster Team at the London Mini Marathon.  On the track, she completed a remarkable clean sweep of six Ulster and Irish titles in the 1500m and 3000m Schools and Clubs competitions – setting an Ulster Schools’ record in the 3000m and an Irish U18 championship record in the 1500m.

Middle school student, Adam Green had a clean sweep in sailing competitions across Ireland – victories at the Winter, Northern and Southern, Irish National and the Youth & Schools Championships; and at the end of the season won the Great Britain title – a truly remarkable feat.  We look forward to seeing him on our Olympic wall; alongside the nine former students who have gone on to represent their country in the Olympics.

Adam Ewart in Sixth Form was awarded The Rosemary Reid Memorial Cup for contribution to school sport – representing the school in: hockey, tennis, swimming, cricket & athletics.  Also assisting in coaching hockey and squash, as well as being ranked the No.1 squash player in Ireland.

In athletics and cross-country our pupils competed with distinction at the District, Ulster and Irish Championships.

In hockey our 1^st XI Boys’ Hockey Team won the Ulster Schools’ title, the John Minnis Burney Cup for a record-extending 15^th time.  Many congratulations to Mr Magee on his first season as 1^st XI coach on claiming our first Burney Cup since 2022.

Our junior boys and girls excelled by winning gold at the Oxford Tournament.  The U14 Girls achieved a historic Ulster double – winning their first-ever Junior Stevenson Cup and retaining the Ulster Hockey Junior Cup title, finishing runners-up in the All-Ireland Finals.  The 1^st XI Girls had an historic season, reaching the final of the Stevenson Cup, securing qualification for the All-Irelands and reached the quarter-finals of the Ulster Schools’ Cup.  They grew throughout the season and were crowned the Irish Schools’ Champions by winning the Kate Russell All-Ireland Championship, for only the second time in our history.

Last season we marked the formal establishment of an exciting new Age-Grade Rugby Partnership between Banbridge Academy and Banbridge Rugby Club, supported by Ulster Rugby’s Age Grade Support Programme.  The senior squad had an extremely successful tour to Portugal.  History was made with the launch of Girls’ Rugby, with U16 and U18 female teams competing for the first time at the Danske Bank Ulster Rugby Schools’ Cup 7s.  The Girls’ U18 team capped off a memorable debut season by reaching the semi-finals of the Ulster 7s.  In Junior Boys’ Rugby, we reclaimed the Masters Shield with decisive victories across U12, U13, and U14 levels against Dromore High School.  The U13 won the Grosvenor festival, the U12 won the Down HS Trophy and the U14 won the Ulster 7s Shield.  The Academy was also delighted to host the Schools Roadshow in association with Ulster Rugby, the IFA and the GAA, where senior pupils participated in a “Game of 3 Halves”.

Banbridge Academy Dance Teams delivered an extraordinary season of success, beginning with the honour of being shortlisted for High School of the Year at the Golden Dance Awards NI at the Culloden Estate.  The event featured as guest presenter, our former pupil – Miss Northern Ireland 2025, Miss Carly Wilson.  While our very own choreographer – Ms Ruth Reid’s Ards Dance Centre took home Ballet School of the Year.

At the Ulster Dance Competition, we achieved sensational results: Exercise Dance Fitness – both teams claimed 1^st place in their debut performances; Junior Large Team and the Mixed Team – won 1^st place.  Senior Soloist – Amy Davidson earned 1^st place with a standout performance.  Junior Duets claimed 1^st and 2^nd place, while the Intermediate Duet, Senior Trio and Senior Team all secured 2^nd place finishes – what a set of results at the Ulster Championships.  The winning momentum continued at the NICMAC Competition, the following all secured first place – the Mixed Team, both Exercise Dance Fitness Teams, Intermediate Duet, student-choreographed Junior Duets in both the Anything Goes and Jazz sections.  The Junior Large Team and Senior Trio both earned 2^nd place finishes.

Academy swimmers excelled in local, provincial and national waters.  At the Ulster Schools’ Championships, our junior competitors achieved personal best times and qualified for the All-Ireland Minor Schools’ Championships.  Relay Teams took home top honours with gold in both the 200m Medley Relay and the 200m Freestyle Relay, alongside several individual silver and bronze medals.  At the Swim Ulster Schools’ Cup, Samantha Burns-Atkins secured gold in the 100m breaststroke to claim the Ulster title, alongside bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.  Bronze medals were also won by both the Junior Boys’ Medley Relay Team and the Junior Girls’ Medley Relay Team.

At the All-Ireland Minor Schools’ Championships, the team reached the pinnacle of national success; both the Girls’ Medley and Freestyle Relay Teams were crowned All-Ireland Champions.  Isabella Burden won gold in the 50m backstroke to become an All-Ireland Champion and Ella Jennings earned an All-Ireland silver medal in the 50m breaststroke.

Sophie Black completed the 10k marathon-distance event at the Swim Ireland National Open Water, winning the bronze medal in the U19 non-wetsuit category ahead of her planned North Channel attempt – yes you heard that correctly – currently training to complete a solo swim of the Channel.

In Cycling, Year 14 pupil Adam Matthews produced a magnificent performance at the Ulster Hill Climb Championships, claiming the Junior Ulster title.

In Boxing, Year 8 pupil Charlie Cosgrove was crowned the 40kg National Schoolboy Champion of Ireland.

Our Netball teams enjoyed another highly competitive year.  The Senior B team reached the final of the Netball NI Schools’ Senior Shield for the second consecutive year.  Pupils earned selection for the Southern Regional Netball Squad and Maisie Nicholl represented Netball Ireland U17 at the Europe Netball event.

In Table Tennis, the U13 team achieved 2^nd place at the All-Ireland Table Tennis Championships.

I feel both humble and proud to lead such a talented, professional and genuinely caring staff.  Their enthusiasm and devotion to our students are central to the Academy’s success, and I thank my Vice Principals, Mrs Evans and Mr McFarland, the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Department, the entire Pastoral Team, House staff and all my colleagues for their unwavering support, dedication and friendship – they are the reason why the Academy remains one of the best schools in the country.

I extend my thanks to Mr Mathers for his support and friendship as Chair of the Board of Governors, and to all members of the Board for their continued dedication and commitment to the Academy.

Prize Day is a significant event in the life of the School, and its organisation is a tribute to the considerable expertise of Mrs Evans, Mrs Morrison and Mrs Neill.  On behalf of everyone present, I thank them for all their efforts in arranging such a special day, and I extend a special word of thanks to Mr Brown for his expert playing of the organ.

In conclusion, we continue to live in a very uncertain, fast-changing world, but please be assured that the Academy will continue to meet the needs of the outstanding young men and women entrusted to our care.

Thank you

Mr R S McLoughlin OBE