Today our new Year 8 students took their first steps into life at Ballyclare Secondary School bringing with them a wonderful mix of excitement, anticipation and just a few butterflies. The school was filled with energy and enthusiasm as new friendships began to form, new faces became familiar and students started to find their place within our school community.
This marked the start of an important journey, one that will be filled with learning, achievement, discovery and endless potential of the future ahead. We look forward, alongside parents and guardians, to seeing all that they will accomplish in the years to come.
Following discussions with contractors regarding the ongoing roadworks, school buses will be permitted access through the road closure area until works are completed on 11 September 2026.
- Normal pick-up/drop-off services will continue at Greers Corner.
- Buses can access Watchill Road from Snowy Glen Junction to Greers Corner
Please note: Ballyvallagh Road between Castle Road and Watchill Road will remain closed to buses until the works are finished.
Although road closure signs will remain in place, school buses will be allowed through to serve their usual pick-up and drop-off points. Parents and pupils can continue to use their normal bus stops unless advised otherwise.
Yesterday we welcomed Prefects, Assistant Prefects and our Year Group Student Leaders to a dedicated Leadership Training Day in preparation for the new academic year. The programme was delivered by HIP Psychology, Lindsey Armstrong Media and Mrs Shingleton, providing pupils with valuable opportunities to develop their personal skills and capabilities, including communication, teamwork, confidence, leadership and resilience.
Through a range of engaging workshops and interactive activities, pupils were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil their important roles and responsibilities, ensuring they are ready to make a positive contribution to school life in the year ahead.
Today was a day of great excitement and celebration at Ballyclare Secondary School, as students received their much-anticipated exam results. Many students achieved top grades across a wide range of subjects, reflecting their hard work, determination, and resilience throughout the academic year.
On behalf of the staff and governors, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every student. Your achievements are a testament to your dedication and commitment to excellence.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all parents and carers for their continued support. Your encouragement and partnership have played a vital role in helping our students reach their potential.
As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome back those returning to Year 13. To those moving on to college courses, apprenticeships, or other institutions, we wish you every success in your future endeavours. You will be greatly missed, and we hope you carry forward fond memories of your time at Ballyclare.
We also recognise that results day can bring a mix of emotions, including surprise and disappointment for some. What matters most is how we respond—by reassessing, realigning, and identifying the best possible pathway for each young person. We encourage any student or parent seeking further advice or support to reach out to our dedicated careers, pastoral, and curriculum teams, who are available to help guide you through the next steps.
Among the many outstanding performances, several students achieved top grades in all eight of their subjects, attaining an exceptional combination of A* and A grades. We anticipate that this year’s Sixth Form will be highly subscribed, reflecting the continued academic success and ambition of our students.
“Today is about celebrating the achievements of our young people and recognising the commitment, resilience and determination they have shown throughout their learning journey.
At Ballyclare Secondary School, our vision is ‘Believe. Belong. Become. – Every Learner a Success Story.’ These results demonstrate what can be achieved when young people believe in themselves, feel a strong sense of belonging within a supportive school community, and are encouraged to become the very best version of themselves.
We are proud of every student. While we celebrate academic success, we also celebrate personal growth, character, perseverance and the courage to overcome challenges. Each student's success story is unique, and today marks another important chapter in their journey.
I would like to thank our dedicated staff, parents and carers for the encouragement, care and support they provide every day. Together, we have helped our young people reach this important milestone.
As our students take their next steps, whether into sixth year, further education, training or employment, we look forward with confidence and optimism. We know they will continue to learn, contribute and thrive, and we wish them every success for the future.”
We are delighted to welcome all our new Year 8 pupils to Ballyclare Secondary School as you begin your journey with us. Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and we are looking forward to meeting each of you as you join our school community.
To help you feel prepared and confident, we have provided an Information Booklet containing everything you need to know before your first day. Please read it carefully with a parent or guardian.
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Your First Day – Thursday 27th August 2026
Please arrive at school by 8:30am.
Enter through the Pupil Entrance, where staff will greet you and guide you to the Assembly Hall.
In the Assembly Hall, you will meet your Form Teacher and the rest of your new class.
Mrs Shingleton will officially welcome you to Ballyclare Secondary School before you are shown to your Form Room.
School will finish at 12 noon on your first day.
Points to Remember
Wear your new school uniform.
Bring a break, but no lunch is needed as you will finish at 12 noon.
There are no buses running on the first day, so please arrange transport home.
Bring a school bag for the resources you will receive throughout the morning.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you into Year 8 and helping you settle into life at Ballyclare Secondary School. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we are proud to share it with you.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Year 13 and Year 14 pupils who have achieved an excellent set of A Level and BTEC results. We are incredibly proud of all that they have accomplished and of the determination, resilience and commitment they have shown throughout their time at Ballyclare Secondary School.
These results represent much more than grades. They reflect years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. Our young people have embraced opportunities, overcome challenges and worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Today is a well-deserved opportunity for them to celebrate their success and look with confidence towards the future.
We are particularly pleased with the strong performance across a broad range of subjects, with several departments achieving outstanding outcomes. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our pupils, the commitment of our staff and the invaluable support provided by parents and carers throughout their educational journey.
As our pupils move on to the next stage of their lives, many will take up places at university or college, while others will pursue apprenticeships, training opportunities and employment. Whatever pathway they choose, we are confident that they leave Ballyclare Secondary School with the knowledge, skills and character needed to thrive and make a positive contribution to society.
I would like to thank our staff for the care, encouragement and expertise they provide each day, and to express my sincere appreciation to our parents and carers for the support they have shown both their children and our school community.
To our Year 13 and Year 14 pupils, congratulations. You should be incredibly proud of all you have achieved. Enjoy this special moment, celebrate your success with family and friends, and cherish the memories you have made during your time at Ballyclare Secondary School.
To our Year 14 leavers, as you embark on the next chapter of your journey, we encourage you to continue to believe in yourselves, embrace new opportunities and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving. Be proud of where you have come from and all that you have accomplished during your time at Ballyclare Secondary School. We hope that the friendships, experiences and values you have gained here will stay with you for years to come. While your time as pupils of Ballyclare Secondary School has come to an end, you will always remain part of our school community. We look forward with pride to hearing about the many success stories that lie ahead.
Mrs Wendy Shingleton Acting Principal
Believe. Belong. Become. Every Learner a Success Story.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming pupils back to school at the end of August. The attached information lists the start date for each year group along with details of an exciting new leadership training opportunity for our Pupil Leadership Teams.
We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our pupils who completed their music examinations just before the end of the school term. Their results are now in, and we are incredibly proud to say that every pupil has achieved an excellent result.
These successes are a reflection of the tremendous hard work, commitment and determination shown throughout the year. Preparing for music examinations requires dedication, perseverance and many hours of practice, and each of these pupils should be immensely proud of what they have accomplished.
A very special mention goes to Abigail, who achieved an outstanding Distinction in her Grade 8 Musical Theatre examination. Grade 8 is the highest graded practical examination, and achieving a Distinction is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations, Abigail, on reaching this significant milestone—we are incredibly proud of you.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our dedicated instrumental tutors for their expertise and encouragement, and to parents and families for their continued support throughout each student’s musical journey.
Well done to all—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
