GCSE Results 2026
Outstanding GCSE success celebrated at St. Mary’s Grammar School
Pupils, families and staff at St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt are celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE results, reflecting the remarkable talent, determination and hard work of the school’s 2025-26 cohort.
Almost two-thirds of all grades awarded were at A*/A, while 85.4% of grades were within the A*-B range, with an exceptional 99% of pupils achieving at least seven A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics, underlining the consistently high standards achieved across the year group.
The results included some exceptional individual performances and there were superb success stories reflected right across the year group.
Principal, Mr Paul McClean, paid tribute to the pupils, their families and the staff who had supported them throughout their time at the school:
“Today is a wonderful celebration for our pupils and their families. These young people have demonstrated tremendous ability, but their achievements are also the result of sustained effort, resilience and a real determination to make the most of every opportunity available to them.
“We are immensely proud of the exceptional quality of the results across the year group. There is amazing performance at the highest end of the grade scale, however we are just as proud (if not a little more) of the wonderful success stories that were borne out by pupils who reached the top of their individual potential, and who are delighted with the grades they achieved. Behind each set of impressive figures are 177 individual young people, each with their own talents, aspirations and story of achievement.”
“I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to our teaching and non-teaching staff. Their expertise, care and generosity of time give our pupils the confidence and support they need to flourish. Examination success is celebrated on results day, but it is built gradually through excellent teaching, careful preparation, pastoral support, encouragement and countless hours of work throughout the school year.
“Our pupils also benefit enormously from the support of their parents and families. The relationships between home and school is central to everything we do, and today’s achievements belong to the entire school community.
“At St. Mary’s, academic excellence is important, but it is part of a much broader educational experience. We want our pupils to become confident, compassionate and values-driven young adults who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities. This cohort has enriched school life through leadership, service, sport, music, drama and an extensive range of wider activities, while also maintaining the highest academic ambitions.
“These results open the door to an exciting new stage in the pupils’ education. As they move forward into sixth form and further study, they do so with our deepest congratulations and our confidence in their next steps. They have brought great credit to themselves, their families and the school, and we look forward to seeing all that they will achieve in the years ahead.”
GCSE Results
