05/12/2025
Strathearn School named top school in Northern Ireland
Strathearn School – a girls’ grammar school based on Belfast’s Belmont Road – is this year ranked first of all grammar schools in Northern Ireland, and 31 in the top 150 state secondary schools across the UK, according to the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
The rankings are based on 2025 examination results, when pupils at Strathearn School recorded 83% grades A*-B at A-level. The same year, 79% of all GCSE grades achieved by Strathearn pupils were A* or A – the highest year on record for the School.
Strathearn emphasises a caring, supportive environment where “each individual is valued.” The school aims not only for academic success, but also for the personal growth of pupils: fostering confidence, self-esteem, a love of learning, and a sense of belonging.
Strathearn School Principal Nicola Connery commented: “Having consistently ranked in the top cohort of grammar schools in this prestigious report, we are thrilled to rank in first place this year – particularly given the exceptionally high quality of grammar schools listed across Northern Ireland.
“This is testament to the outstanding hard work, talent and determination of our pupils, the support and encouragement of their families at home, and the inspirational dedication of our superb team of teaching and non-teaching staff.”
Whilst the rankings focus on examination results, Mrs Connery said that Strathearn’s success “transcends all aspects of school life”.
“Our ethos as a school centres on providing a caring and nurturing environment in which every pupil is celebrated for their own individual talents and is encouraged to realise their full potential across a wide range of both curricular and extra-curricular areas.”
Paying tribute to the staff at the School, Rosemary Bailie, Chair of the Board of Governors at Strathearn, commented: “Led by Mrs Connery and the staff of Strathearn School work exceptionally hard throughout the school year to encourage and empower our pupils to excel in all that they do, and this reflects in these latest rankings.”
Credit: The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026
Hyperlink: https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw
Pictured:
Strathearn School Principal Nicola Connery
