Markethill High School one of top three non-selective Controlled Schools in NI
By Eleanor McGillie
Markethill High School has been listed as one of the top three Controlled non selective schools in Northern Ireland in this year’s annual listings compiled by the Irish News.
The annual non-grammar school list, which has changed this year in how it is drawn up, also lists Markethill High School in the top 15 of all non selective schools in the province, based on the number of pupils leaving with 5 or more GCSE passes at A*-C, including English and Maths.
The school, which offers pupils 27 GCSE subjects in-house, offers one of the strongest and broadest curricula for its pupils in the whole of County Armagh. This year the school also celebrated its highest ever pass rates in GSCE English, currently sitting at 19 per cent above the Northern Ireland average.
Described as a ‘cornerstone school committed to serving the community’ the school is actively campaigning for a new build and sixth form provision which would cement its position in Northern Ireland education even further.
Speaking about the high ranking in the Irish News non-grammar school list, James Maxwell, Principal, said: “Our position as one of the top three non-selective controlled schools in Northern Ireland, coupled with our increasing enrolment of 500 pupils and our surplus budget, means that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever why Markethill High should not have sixth Form status. The school is absolutely delighted to read in the SELB’s latest area profile report from January 2015 that the Board considers Markethill High School to be a successful well subscribed school which requires a new capital build, and that the SELB are recognising our request for Sixth Form status. We will work with the SELB to try and ensure that this happens soon, in the pastoral and educational interest of our pupils.
“Despite another excellent listing in the League Tables, Markethill High School will not rest on our laurels. We guarantee a commitment to constantly monitoring our pupils against their predicted potential. Our main aim, our core purpose and focus, is to offer pupils access to the highest quality learning and teaching opportunities, with a clear focus on strong literacy and numeracy development.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure everyone, staff and pupils, carry out their day to day activities with the school’s ethos at the centre of everything they do. We are a school where we ‘Believe to Achieve’ and the latest listing in the Irish News compilation consolidates Markethill High School’s position as a leading non-selective Controlled school in Northern Ireland.”
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NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Markethill High School is the Best School in Northern Ireland for Modern Languages
- In September 2013, The Minister for Education John O’Dowd congratulates Markethill High School for being one of 11 schools in Northern Ireland which successfully bridges the gap between social disadvantage and educational attainment
- In October 2013 the ETI report that Markethill High School is a school of ‘very good practice’ and commends all aspects of school life
- In November 2013 Harper Adams University in Ireland announces a collaboration with Markethill High School to lead the way in education in Northern Ireland by encouraging pupils to take up careers in agriculture
- For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379| Education PR | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | PR Agency Northern Ireland |