Today we held our end of year awards assembly, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of our pupils across a range of areas that reflect the school’s ethos.

Our assembly recognised pupils for their endeavour, academic achievement, contribution to the community, kindness, and involvement in school life.

Pupils were commended for their perseverance and dedication to learning, as well as their academic successes. Others were recognised for their kindness and respect towards their peers, helping to foster a strong sense of community within the school. The achievement points also recognised those who have gone above and beyond in contributing to wider school life through extracurricular activities, leadership, and service to others both within and beyond the school.

What a fitting celebration of pupil achievement and a reminder of the values that continue to shape and strengthen school life at Ballyclare Secondary School.

Some of our Year 11 pupils recently took part in an engaging Construction Skills Bootcamp at CITB Northern Ireland, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into the construction industry. During the programme, students explored a range of practical skills, including bricklaying, carpentry, painting, tiling and wallpapering as well as health and safety practices, while learning about potential career pathways within the sector.

The bootcamp provided a unique opportunity for pupils to step outside the classroom and develop confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. By working alongside industry professionals, students were able to experience first-hand the demands and rewards of a career in construction. The initiative highlighted CITB NI’s commitment to inspiring the next generation and supporting young people in making informed choices about their future careers.

Last week, our science department worked a little magic as a classroom was transformed into the wizarding world of Hogwarts!

Students stepped into an immersive themed environment where it truly felt like they had left the school grounds and entered a world of imagination, potions, and discovery. From the moment they walked in, the atmosphere was magical—bringing learning to life like never before.

Science lessons took on a Harry Potter twist, with students exploring heat transfer through conduction, convection and radiation, alongside space topics, all clinked to the wizarding world.

The excitement was contagious, and students were fully engaged— Helped along with some Bertie Bot’s every flavour jelly beans!

#making learning creative, fun, interactive, and unforgettable

Congratulations to our Year 10 Girls Football Team, who won the Contenders Cup at today's tournament in Coleraine.

Captained by Hattie Roberts, the team showed incredible resilience, determination, and teamwork throughout the day. With the majority of the squad made up of Year 8 and Year 9 girls, they competed brilliantly against older opposition.

We are extremely proud of the girls for their effort and attitude, and they enjoyed a fantastic day out together.

We are looking forward to next season already!

Nothing was going to stop our Bronze Duke of Ed groups from completing their expeditions recently, and the list of reasons was long! With little hints of sun in between the rain and wind they all still managed to have fun and smile!

Please find below our Weekly Communication Bulletin for Parents and Carers, and other important information, which has been sent out to you via Sims App.

After weeks of focus and determination, 9S were treated by their form teacher to a well-deserved Board Game day. The students worked so hard preparing for their exams, and their efforts truly paid off!

From snacks and laughter to a relaxing break from the usual routine, it was a day to reward perseverance and celebrate achievement.

Applications are open for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowances for the 2026/27 academic year.

Important info for applying:

Add each child for whom you have parental responsibility and who will be attending full time at school or Regional/FE College to your application

If children are aged over 16 and you’re unsure whether they will return to school or change schools, add on the application the child’s name and the name of the school your child waiting for results is most likely to attend

Inform the Meals and Uniform Section by phone or in writing if this information changes. You can do this by emailing mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk

Your child’s funding will be delayed if you do not add them to your application before submitting.

Applications can be made using EA Connect: https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/login

What a day it was! On Friday 5th June, our Sports & Activity Day was a huge success. The school was buzzing with energy as pupils took part in a wide range of activities, showing fantastic teamwork, determination and school spirit. Laughter and excitement filled the air, with fun, friendship and a healthy dose of competition at the heart of it all. The highlight for many was the Colour Run in support of the charity Hope365 —and of course, the unforgettable moment when staff were “gunged” to the delight of cheering pupils. A brilliant day for a truly worthwhile cause!

Thanks to the PE Department and Mr Latham for all their organisation of the day.