Best schools in Northern Ireland 2025

Top Schools in Northern Ireland 2025

The article highlights the top-performing schools in Northern Ireland for 2025, based on the Parent Power league table. Friends' School in Lisburn secured the top spot, achieving State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence. Despite dropping 11 places from last year, it maintains a strong 32nd position in the UK rankings.

Key School Performances

• Friends' School, Lisburn: Top in Northern Ireland, 32nd in the UK, 91.3% of students achieved three or more A*-C grades at A-level.
• Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, Belfast: Second in Northern Ireland, tied for 34th in the UK, achieving the best A-level results in the region (59.4% A*-A grades).
• Strathearn School, Belfast: Tied with Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School at 34th in the UK.
• Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock: 41st in the UK.
• St Dominic's Grammar School for Girls, Belfast: 50th in the UK.
• Rathmore Grammar School, Dunmurry: 52nd in the UK, with 91.4% of students achieving three or more A*-C grades at A-level.

The article notes that despite challenges posed by an ongoing review of Northern Irish schooling, these schools demonstrate high academic standards and diverse student populations.