A Level Success 2023
19th August 2023
St Killian’s College students have once again been celebrating examination success at A level. This year’s outcomes reiterate the fact that non-selective education continues to deliver excellent results at A Level for all the students in our community. The students who sat their exams in 2023, in post pandemic circumstances, deserve special praise for their hard work, resilience and success in such challenging times.
75% of St Killian’s students achieved 3 A*-C grades in their examination results, with 36% of the total grades awarded an A*/A grade. This is expected to be well above the National Average as the examination system transitions to pre-pandemic standards. College Principal, Jonny Brady, noted that impressive results had been achieved in both the STEM and Arts areas. He said: “This highlights the success the College has in delivering a broad range of educational pathways to develop the interests and talents of all our students, providing them with the academic results and key life skills to confidently contribute to our society and growing economy. With university places in even higher demand this academic year, we are pleased that, with the help, advice and guidance of the College’s Careers Department, the vast majority of our students have gained entry to their first-choice courses. Indeed, at the time we go to press, 82% of our students have secured their place at third level while others have taken advantage of much sought-after apprenticeships.”
Once again there was a rise in the number of students who achieved the top grades, Michael Doherty (3A*s), Nicola Lawniczak (3A*s), Aidan McSparron (3 A*), James Difford (2A*s,1A), Eve Kinney (2A*s, 1A) and James McNeill (2A*s, 1A). While the following students achieved straight As including 1 A*: Cerys Conway, Danny McCollam, Mark McCormick, Rosa McCrudden, Patrick McIlwaine, Oisin McLoughlin and Amalia Popescu.
Our Head Girl and Boy both did exceedingly well by achieving 5 A* between them. Nicola Lawniczak will go on to study Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast and James Difford, will study Pharmacy at Queen’s University. Both of these very gifted students demonstrated their breadth of talents by securing the Gold Award in the Gaisce/President’s Award. This national Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. A similar academic feat was achieved by twins, Aidan and Mark McSparron, who will now study Chemistry and Accountancy at Queen’s University Belfast, respectively. A special congratulations goes to our other set of twins, Megan and Caitlin Law both of whom secured top grades, and Megan has obtained the Ulster Farmers’ Union Scholarship, a bursary aimed at supporting the next generation of farmers to attend CAFRE college to study a degree in Agriculture.
This year, our AS students have produced another excellent set of results which augurs well for next year’s A2 results.
Mr Brady was delighted at the success of the students across a wide range of subjects and stated, “It is gratifying, given additional challenges that our students’ faced, to see
so many of our young people achieving so well in these public exams. This is down to the demanding work, commitment, resilience and dedication of all our staff and students, and we are all rightly proud of all our students. The College, once again, has demonstrated consistency in delivering high quality learning and teaching. On behalf of everyone here at the College, I wish all of our young people the very best in their future and thank our parents for their continued support.”
