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CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2025 PROSPECTUS

Principal s Welcome KNOWLEDGE OPPORTUNITY RESPECT 2

Principal s Welcome A very warm welcome to Carrickfergus Grammar School a thriving exciting ambitious happy and thoroughly aspirational selective school Our main aim is to offer our students a world class education reinforced by the most robust research based evidence into high quality learning and teaching The Carrickfergus Grammar brand of learning and teaching is a brand which we firmly believe will ensure our pupils are exposed to high aspiration high expectation and huge opportunities in order to surpass potential Our aim is to give our pupils the powerful knowledge the cultural capital and the most effective study skills in order to give them the edge academically both in school and in later life In the past two years the following has occurred the school entered the Times and Sunday Times Parent Power School League Tables as one of the top 100 state selective schools in the UK in December 2024 the school recorded its highest ever results at GCSE in 2022 with every single pupil achieving 7 or more passes at A C English results at GCSE in 2024 were a record 19 6 above Grammar School averages at A B with Maths results over 14 above Grammar School averages at A B over 76 of all grades awarded at A Level in 2024 were A B 17 subjects at A Level were above Grammar School averages at A C with 11 subjects at GCSE attaining a 100 pass rate the school was named in June 2024 as the Families First School of the Year for the Northern Region and was shortlisted to the final three schools for the title of Northern Ireland School of the Year 2024 the school secured five million pounds for the development of infrastructure which will result in state of the art sporting facilities to rival any school in the country With 21 subjects surpassing Northern Ireland Grammar School averages for A C at A Level and 22 subjects at GCSE this is a school which has a clear resolve No matter what their background needs interests or academic potential every single student will be taught in a manner which will expedite opportunities for the greatest possible social mobility including access to all Higher Education pathways at age 18 This is achieved within an atmosphere which we describe as warm and strict We care for support and guide our pupils and endeavour to build their resilience at every opportunity We believe in the good old fashioned principles of manners honesty and hard work We view ourselves here as a big family caring for and looking out for each other We welcome you to our Open Evening in school on Thursday 16th January 2025 between 6 30pm and 9 00pm J A Maxwell Principal 3

Student Reflections Chloe Blair Head Girl I am beyond grateful to belong to CGS the encouraging environment has been so important throughout these past seven years This support from staff has inspired me to work hard academically whilst also cherishing my school life with ample opportunity to bond with my peers In particular I have received support to launch the CGS dance team broadening my opportunity to build upon my leadership and creative skills With the multitude of clubs and societies which are offered to all there is a place for everybody in our school Interacting with and mentoring the younger pupils has been a recent highlight of mine and I have enjoyed helping them to transition into the new school environment with ease Kristian McVeigh Head Boy I have really enjoyed my seven years at Carrickfergus Grammar School In that time I have grown in confidence developed skills which will stand me in great stead for later life and acquired friendships which I trust will last a lifetime I have flourished academically thanks to the support and help of the very experienced staff at the school and am looking forward to pursuing a career in Engineering I would highlight the positive relationships between pupils and staff as a really strong feature of Carrickfergus Grammar School and I have been pleased to develop quality relationships further through the many clubs and activities I have undertaken including football and athletics Alex Hogg Head Girl Throughout the past seven years Carrickfergus Grammar School has offered me copious opportunities to grow and develop not only academically through the devotion of teachers but also as a person Looking back to the first day of Year 8 there was a real sense of safety and community in the school I have made lifelong friendships as well as many joyfilled memories in extra curricular opportunities such as Scripture Union Choir and Hockey Tours Flute Group and Concert Band Next year I hope to study Primary Education at Stranmillis University College in the hope that one day I make as much of a positive impact on children s education as the teaching staff at CGS have made on me Pupils here have every opportunity to succeed and quickly feel part of a caring and supportive school community 4

Student Reflections Harry Bell Deputy Head Boy My time at Carrickfergus Grammar school has helped me to develop into who I am as a person the vast variety of subjects on offer has given me core knowledge which will give me the edge in later life and which will help me pursue a career which will bring happiness and success My experiences within the school have been fantastic from the excellent teaching on offer which has given me extensive skills and pushed me to perform to my best to the friends I have been able to make thanks to the friendly atmosphere about school life I have particularly enjoyed playing rugby at school and seeing the teams go from strength to strength every year Adam Kingston Deputy Head Boy Throughout my time at Carrickfergus Grammar School the staff have always been resilient and supportive Whether it was teaching through the adversity of the pandemic or generously giving up their free time with extra curricular activities During Sixth Form the school has shown me the importance of giving back to others Homework Mentoring and leading the percussion section in Concert Band have enabled me to help other students learn I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been provided with during my time in school the Music Society has given me the opportunity to perform and make life long friendships and memories 5

Staff List Principal Mr J A Maxwell BA PGCE MSc PQH Vice Principal Miss F McKinley MEd BA PGCE PQH Senior Leadership Team Mrs L Kane BA DASE PGCE Mr P McKittrick MSc BSc PGCE PQH Mr K Marshall MEd BSc DipEd PQH Mr M Roberts BA Hons MA PGCE Mrs L Best BTh MTh PGCE Mr P Irwin BSc PGCE Mrs A Turner BSc DASE PGCE Mrs K Withers MEd Bmus PGCE Mr N Massey MSc BSc PGCE Mr K Crooks MEd BSc PGCE Adv Cert Mr S Martin BEd Teachers Mr P Baxter BSc BAgr PGCE Mrs J Beattie BA PGCE Administrative Senior Executive Officer Mrs T Livings HNC Executive Officer Mrs K Campbell HNC Clerical Officer Mrs K Newell Clerical Officer Mrs S Phillips Grainger Centre Supervisor Mrs J Taylor JEB Dip Ed Mrs J S Botha BA PGCE Mr A Brown MBA BA PGCE Mrs R Butler BA PGCE Ms B Claver L pez MA PGCE Mr E Craig MA Bmus Dip ChD FNCM PGCE Mr M Crawford MEd BSc PGCE Mr R Currie BSc PGCE Miss S Elliott BA PGCE Mr A Fittis BSc PGCE Mr R Gorman MEd BA PGCE Mrs J Hamilton BA PGCE Mr K Hamilton BA PGCE Mr E Hawthorne MSci PGCE Mr M Irwin BEd Mr N Kennedy BSc PGCE Miss W Lemon MEd BEd Mr A Macdonald BA PGCE Miss S Mawhinney BSc PGCE Miss P Maxwell MSc BSc PGCE Ms H McCaughan BA PGCE Mrs B McKeeman BSc PGCE Mrs B McMaw MEd BA PGCE Mr R McMorris BSc PGCE Mr L Morrow MSc BSSc PGCE Mrs S Murray MA PGCE Miss S Patterson MEng PGCE Mrs C Penney BA PGCE Mr R Reaney BSc PGCE Mrs C Reid MA BEd Mr W J Reid BSc PGCE Mr A Ross MSc BSc PGCE Mrs V Ross BA PGCE Mrs S A Simms BSc PGCE Mrs E Squires MSc BSc PGCE Mrs E Wills BA PGCE Miss N Wylie MA BA PGCE Technical Senior Technician Mrs R McCullough Technology and Art Mr P Newell Information Technology Mr M Blair BA BSc Home Economics Mrs R Patterson Language Assistants French Mrs B Gourley Spanish Mrs E Casales Martinez Support Staff Learning Support Assistants Mrs S Shannon Miss E O Lynn Mrs L Hooks Miss R Beasant Miss T Lockhart Miss S Duff Ms N Chambers Mrs K Harpur Ms C Lockhart Building Supervisor Mr M Murphy Building Supervisor Assistant Mr D Vine 6

Values and Ethos A world class education We aim to offer our students a world class education We look nationally and internationally to identify and understand what the highest quality learning and teaching looks like We base our developments on world renowned research We send our staff overseas to see for themselves what outstanding practice looks like and to explore how it can be translated into the classroom in Carrickfergus Grammar School In September 2024 the school hosted Northern Ireland s first ever ResearchED conference for teachers and educators across the world In September 2022 Carrickfergus Grammar School introduced a knowledge rich curriculum for students in Years 8 10 incorporating more depth into learning and helping to ensure that our students accumulate powerful knowledge which will give them the edge in later life The Minister of Education now hopes to facilitate such a curriculum in all schools in Northern Ireland In 2022 Carrickfergus Grammar School featured in a case study book into best practice for retrieval strategies The book was written by leading educationalist Kate Jones Carrickfergus Grammar School has become the first school to appoint a Director of Research Mr Mark Roberts Effective learning and teaching which is central to the life of the school depends among other things on outstanding teacher subject knowledge excellent subjectspecific and general pedagogy high quality relationships both inside and outside the classroom and quality communication between students staff parents and others in the development of a secure and stimulating learning environment in which all can prosper It is the purpose of Carrickfergus Grammar School to provide an educational environment suited to all of the students entrusted to its care with the highest of aspirations and expectations for all The school will seek to promote a disciplined well ordered caring and supportive environment where staff and students can work and learn in an atmosphere of mutual respect and without fear of interruption or learning being hindered so that each and every student is encouraged to achieve the highest level of academic intellectual personal physical and social development of which he or she is capable 7

Director of Research Carrickfergus Grammar School has appointed Mr Mark Roberts as Northern Ireland s first Director of Research Mr Roberts is one of the leading thinkers and writers on English education a regular columnist for the Times Educational Supplement and author of three best selling books First and foremost Mr Roberts describes himself as a classroom teacher and says Nothing still gives me greater joy than standing in front of a room of young people teaching them Shakespeare and creative writing poetry and rhetoric In June 2020 he released a bestselling book You Can t Revise for GCSE English Yes You Can published by Collins As an English literature obsessive he has also written introductions to the Collins classroom classics version of Romeo and Juliet and Frankenstein Mr Roberts also teaches English at Carrickfergus Grammar School In his previous role as Assistant Principal at a large school in Devon Mr Roberts led on staff professional development and teacher training with a specific focus on using educational research to enhance teaching and learning Mr Roberts role at Carrickfergus Grammar School is to provide teachers with the best professional development possible ensuring high quality classroom teaching as a result Previously he worked as Head of English at a school in Manchester This experience prompted an enduring fascination with boys academic performance culminating in the release of his best selling book Boys Don t Try Rethinking Masculinity in Schools co authored with Matt Pinkett which was published by Routledge in April 2019 It was featured in The Guardian The Irish Times and gained a 5 star review from Schools Week He has also written a book called The Behaviour Whisperer which focuses on positive reinforcement strategies in schools The appointment of Mr Roberts reflects the school s clear vision to pursue the highest standards and outcomes and the highest quality learning and teaching for its students with the aim of the school becoming a regional and national centre of excellence for learning and teaching professional development of staff and educational research over the next years 8

Standards and Outcomes In the last two years Carrickfergus Grammar School has achieved record results In 2022 21 out of 23 subjects at A Level received 100 pass rates In 2022 22 out of 24 subjects at GCSE were higher than Northern Ireland Grammar School averages at A C In 2022 55 pupils attained 7 or more A A passes at GCSE representing 44 of the cohort In 2023 43 pupils achieved two or more A A grades at A Level In 2024 English Language results at GCSE were 19 6 above Grammar School averages In 2024 98 4 of boys attained 5 or more passes at GCSE including English and Maths Over 76 of grades awarded at A Level in 2024 were A B In 2024 every single girl attained 7 or more passes at A C at GCSE 9

Learning and Teaching Carrickfergus Grammar School has identified six key principles which shape and embody its pursuit of consistency in learning and teaching in the classroom These six principles are Stretch and challenge for ALL pupils Effective questioning and oracy Effective modelling Scaffolding Independent practice Robust assessment and feedback 10

The pupils attain very good standards in Mathematics ETI Inspection October 2016 Key features of learning and teaching at Carrickfergus Grammar School include Beginning a lesson with a short review of previous learning Presenting new material in small steps with student practice after each step Asking a large number of questions and checking the responses of all students Providing models Guiding student practice Checking for student understanding Providing scaffolds for difficult tasks Monitoring independent practice Engaging students in weekly and monthly review The standards attained by the students in English are very good ETI Inspection October 2016 11

GCSE 2024 Standards and Outcomes 5 or more A C at GCSE CGS 2021 99 17 CGS 2022 100 5 or more A C at GCSE inc English and Maths 7 or more A C at GCSE inc English and Maths 97 52 96 99 100 100 CGS 2023 100 100 98 29 CGS 2024 99 1 98 2 96 5 NI Grammar Average 2024 96 6 94 2 90 5 CGS 2021 CGS 2022 CGS 2023 CGS 2024 5 or more A C at GCSE Boys 100 Girls BoCyGs S BY GGEirNlsDERB oGysCSE Girls Boys Girls 98 36 100 100 100 100 98 4 100 5 or more A C at GCSE inc English and Maths Boys 100 Girls 98 36 Boys 100 Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls 100 100 100 98 4 98 1 7 or more A Boys C at GCSECGS 2 100 Girls 95 08 G372 CoooArrrSa Emmmn CdiooonrrrMceee aAEt nh gsClias97ht65 26 B10o0ys 97 59 Girls 93 44 Boys 100 88 3 Boys 100 99 Girls Boys 100 98 25 93 8 Girls Boys 100 98 25 100 Girls NorBthoyersn Girls 98 33 95 1 100 Grammar 79 7 Girls Boys Girls 98 33 95 1 98 1 A Level 2024 CGS 2021 CGS 2022 CGS 2023 CGS 2024 3 or more A C 2 or more A C 88 3 99 93 8 100 79 2 97 86 5 100 CGS BY GENDER A LEVEL NI Grammar 2024 79 9 94 4 CGS 2021 CGS 2022 CGS 2023 CGS 2024 3 or more Boys A C 84 6 Girls 92 Boys 91 4 Girls Boys 95 7 79 1 Girls Boys Girls 79 3 77 4 92 3 12 2 or more Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls A C 100 100 100 97 6 100 100 100 100

GCSE EXAMINATION RESULTS 2024 COMPARISON AGAINST NORTHERN IRELAND GRAMMAR AVERAGES Art Design CGS A C 86 2 NI A C 94 6 CGS A B 41 4 NI A B 69 Biology 96 8 97 5 66 7 79 1 Business Studies 94 3 89 2 68 6 62 2 Chemistry Child Development 100 96 9 75 79 6 100 92 4 78 9 69 3 Digital Technology 100 91 5 90 9 69 7 Drama 80 97 5 80 76 2 English Language English Literature 100 97 2 94 8 75 2 100 97 80 9 75 2 French 94 1 88 2 64 7 59 2 Further Mathematics Geography German 96 1 97 2 88 2 83 1 100 92 7 65 5 77 1 100 89 2 100 60 3 History 100 93 6 83 6 72 4 Engineering 100 100 100 100 Mathematics Music 98 3 95 6 96 5 82 4 100 96 5 100 81 2 Food and Nutrition 100 92 9 55 6 67 7 Physical Education 96 7 90 6 50 61 5 Physics 98 5 98 7 80 3 83 4 Religious Education FULL 92 2 89 3 69 6 68 5 Spanish Technology 100 94 3 82 6 88 2 90 73 5 65 65 9 13

A LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2024 COMPARISON AGAINST GRAMMAR SCHOOL AVERAGES CGS A C Accounting 85 7 Art Design 85 7 Biology 85 7 Business Studies 93 3 Chemistry 94 4 Digital Technology AS WJEC 66 7 English Literature 100 Environmental Technology 87 5 Nutrition and Food Science 100 French 100 Further Mathematics 100 Geography 80 Government and Politics 100 Health and Social Care 100 History 100 Mathematics 93 3 Music 100 Photography n a Physical Education 81 8 Physics 90 9 Religious Studies 100 Spanish 100 Technology 100 14 NI A C 65 2 98 8 89 4 89 3 90 9 n a 94 4 81 3 90 9 92 4 97 9 91 7 92 6 97 4 90 9 93 8 87 8 n a 86 4 83 2 88 8 98 2 90 5 CGS A B 28 6 57 1 71 4 73 3 77 8 33 3 100 75 90 9 75 66 7 60 83 3 83 3 81 3 80 100 n a 72 7 45 4 87 5 86 7 81 8 NI A B 39 1 83 8 68 7 67 1 73 8 n a 72 7 58 67 9 78 2 90 8 69 7 75 8 76 67 5 79 1 62 2 n a 55 6 65 7 62 3 85 2 66 4

Assessment and Reporting Assessment and reporting are key elements in measuring pupil progress and planning for improvement Carrickfergus Grammar School fuses formative summative and standardised assessments in order to ensure that feedback from assessment is tailored to the individual needs of students with the aim of identifying targets for progress which will allow them to meet and exceed potential Students work is marked regularly and within a reasonable amount of time Attention is given by all teachers to literacy and numeracy according to the whole school Literacy and Numeracy policies Assessments are therefore a regular and extensive feature of all academic subjects but a number of Core Assessments are formally tracked for each student in each subject in each academic year Current arrangements for assessment and reporting include the following Parent consultations providing opportunities for parents to speak to teachers regarding their child s progress The use of diagnostic data and examination board data to benchmark student performance and negotiate targets for improvement Regression analysis and standardised scores at Key Stage 3 Use of homework as a learning tool properly marked with suggestions for improvement following the School and Department Homework Policies Moderation of student work within subject departments External moderation for public examinations at GCSE and A Level Utilisation and reporting of DfE Benchmarking data for comparison of school and NI performance in external examinations and identification of areas for improvement Publication to the wider community of school and pupil achievement 15

Pastoral Care The high quality of Carrickfergus Grammar s pastoral care provision has been recognised as a strength by the Education and Training Inspectorate ETI and the school places great emphasis on the provision of appropriate pastoral care for all pupils We foster a warm and happy school environment and the size of the school allows for a real family ethos Our robust attendance rate of 95 means that we are well above the average for Northern Irish schools A pastoral system has been designed to build up the students confidence enabling them to thrive academically to understand themselves as individuals and to develop sound relationships with other students and staff at the school The pastoral care system places great emphasis on the moral and social welfare and development of each of our students as well as their intellectual physical and cultural needs Our staff work collaboratively to meet the needs and aspirations of each student The pastoral care team provides informed and sensitive guidance to support students in their personal development and in times of personal family or social difficulty Some students may at certain times benefit from the opportunity to work through any difficulties with a trained counsellor and this service is available through school Our experienced Learning Support Co ordinators work to ensure that the pathway for children identified with additional educational needs is tailored appropriately whilst maintaining the highest of aspirations and expectations Individual Education Plans Personal Education Plans are in place for relevant students with reasonable adjustments where necessary The provision for care and support of the students is very good ETI Inspection October 2016 16

There is a clear and inclusive ethos pupils are supported well and sensitively by the teachers ETI Inspection October 2016 The Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs Kane whilst the Deputy Designated Teacher is Mr Gorman The Principal Mr Maxwell is also a member of the safeguarding team alongside the Designated Governor for Child Protection Mr Montgomery Head of Dept Principal Vice Principal Senior Teachers Heads of Year Subject Teacher PUPIL Form Teacher Support Staff Careers Teacher School Counsellor External Agencies Mrs Kane is the Senior Teacher in charge of Pastoral Care at the school ably assisted by 7 Heads of Year and 28 Form Teachers 17

Behavioural Standards Carrickfergus Grammar School insists upon very high standards of behaviour We believe that Children thrive on routines and boundaries Children are ultimately happier when school is a well disciplined environment Behaviour becomes unacceptable at the very moment a teacher has to stop teaching to speak with a child At this school we believe that if you look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves If our students get the small things right such as wearing uniform to a very high standard not slouching in seats in class and listening attentively to the teacher at all times the bigger things will fall into place not least a high standard of education robust learning and good grades We encourage our students to ASPIRE in line with the graphic opposite At the start of Year 8 parents are asked to sign a contract indicating their support for the school s behaviour management system We fully appreciate the support of parents in ensuring that the school environment is welldisciplined A Ask and answer when prompted S Sit up straight P Pay attention I Interrupt never R Respect always E Eyes on Teacher 18

Positive Notes Carrickfergus Grammar School has introduced a Positive Note System aimed at fostering and encouraging outstanding values in all aspects of school life and acknowledging the many positive behaviours staff witness from students on a daily basis Students can receive Positive Notes amongst other things for Acting in an exceptionally responsible manner Demonstrating stoicism Exceptional display of gratitude Exceptional display of good manners Exceptional display of leadership Exceptional classwork Exceptional homework Exceptional contribution to school life Exceptional helpfulness Improved effort attitude Exceptional examination performance Exceptional fundraising and charity work Exceptional contribution to extra curricular activity 19

Families First School of the Year 2024 Carrickfergus Grammar School has been named as the Families First 2024 School of the Year for the Northern Region Of the 39 finalist schools across the country there were 3 schools announced as Schools of the Year of which Carrickfergus Grammar School was one Over 100 nominations were received by the adjudicating panel in support of the school The following observations were made about the school the excellent educational outcomes being achieved by pupils the school s unique and innovative approaches to dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic including the partnership with Mid and East Antrim Council to provide a satellite centre for Year 10 pupils at Oakfield Community Centre the school s leading initiatives in relation to evidence based learning and teaching and the fact that it was bringing ResearchED to Northern Ireland for teachers and educators the dedication of all staff the excellent pastoral care and systems for SEN pupils the school was viewed as a cornerstone school in the community Congratulations also to Mrs Sharon Shannon who won the title of Learning Support Assistant of the Year 2024 21

Curriculum The Curriculum at this school meets the requirements of the Education Northern Ireland Order 2006 KEY STAGE 3 English Mathematics Religious Studies PE Games Biology Chemistry Physics History Geography French Spanish Home Economics Art and Design Technology Music Drama Year 10 ICT Learning for Life and Work On offer through the Carrickfergus Learning Community KEY STAGE 4 GCSE English Language English Literature Mathematics Further Mathematics Religious Studies PE Games PE GCSE Art and Design Biology Chemistry Physics Business Studies Digital Technology ICT Drama History Geography French Spanish Food and Nutrition Child Development Learning for Life and Work Music Technology Careers Engineering KEY STAGE 5 A LEVEL English Literature Mathematics Further Mathematics Religious Studies Accounting Biology Chemistry Physics Art and Design Business Studies Environmental Technology History Government and Politics Geography French Spanish Nutrition and Food Science Health and Social Care Music PE A Level Photography Sociology Technology Information Technology Applied ICT Media Studies Moving Image Arts Sports Studies Travel and Tourism Games LLW Careers 22

Extra Curricular Animal House Army Cadet Force Athletics Badminton Basketball Book Club Breakfast Club Bridge Chess Choir Cookery Cricket Debating Drama Duke of Edinburgh Equestrian Football Gaming Golf Gym Habitat for Humanity Hockey ICT Instrumental Ensembles Jag Tag American Football Minecraft Modern Languages Netball Orchestra Orienteering Photography Reading Rugby Running Science Show Jumping Scripture Union STEM Strings Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Warhammer Young Enterprise 23

YEAR 8 AND 9 EXPERIENCES David Sloan Carrickfergus Model Primary School My favourite subjects are Technology and Home Economics I love making things and we always get to take home our inventions and creations at the end My tip to new Year 8 pupils is this get to know new people in school and make friends try new things and do your best At the end of Year 8 I am going on the Year 8 tour to Barcelona Charlotte Lamont Woodburn Primary School My favourite subjects are Technology Art and Chemistry In Technology I have learned the names of machines and tools and I am currently learning how to draw 3D objects for future projects In Chemistry I have learned the measurements of chemicals Charlie Barnett Greenisland Primary School My first day went really well I met many new friends I also met my English and Maths teachers and they were really kind My favourite subject is definitely Home Economics because I love learning about how different foods are made My advice to new pupils is just to be yourself and things will go really well for you Lola Bowen Woodlawn Primary School My favourite trip in Year 8 so far has been the trip to Queen s University as I got to look around the huge buildings and see what subjects and clubs there are My favourite subjects so far are Art and English I love drawing writing poems and reading books Lily Chambers Eden Primary School The clubs I go to are Hockey and Choir I love to play hockey for the school because team games are always so much fun We have had some home matches on the school s new 2G pitch as well as some away matches I love to go to Choir because we learn some great songs We recently performed in the school s Carol Service 24

YEAR 8 AND 9 EXPERIENCES Daisy Dunn Whitehead Primary School On my first day of school I was nervous but I have made lots of great friends and love PE and netball I love getting Positive Notes and getting good feedback on my work I hope to be a teacher when I grow up and the teachers are great role models to look up to I like being with my friends at lunch time talking about my day and hearing about theirs Andrew McNeill Victoria Primary School On my first day I was a little nervous but then I started talking to some people and they were really nice and now we are good friends My favourite subject is Biology I like learning about the different cells and looking through a microscope is fun I am in a number of clubs such as Dungeons and Dragons and Mens Voices Eliza Bovill Islandmagee Primary School Everyone here has been very welcoming and friendly I settled in quickly and found friends My favourite subject is Physics and my favourite teacher is Miss Patterson although all the teachers are very nice I have joined the hockey team and enjoyed all of the matches including our away matches My top tip is to always try new things At the end of Year 8 I went on the trip to Paris Marcel Ziolkowski St Nicholas Primary School My favourite trip so far at Carrickfergus Grammar School was the Scripture Union trip to Portrush We went to the amusement park and were able to buy our own dinner We also went to the beach In March we are going to Queen s University to hear about the degrees which we can apply for at the end of our 7 years here James Clawson Oakfield Primary School My first day went well I met my English and Maths teachers for the first time and I also got to know my Form Teacher Mrs Penney better There are many new subjects such as Physics Chemistry Spanish and French I do after school football After the first month Mr Macdonald plans a Pizza and Games Night where you can do activities such as FIFA sport and a disco 25

Uniform Policy Full school uniform must be worn correctly at all times including on the journey to and from school We take pride in our uniform which we have drawn up in conjunction with pupils in our School Council and we enforce it strictly Inappropriate school wear may be temporarily confiscated and returned to parent guardian only Contravention of these regulations by pupils will lead to school sanctions being enforced GIRLS UNIFORM BOYS UNIFORM Standard Carrickfergus Grammar School blazer and school tie as supplied by outfitters Standard Carrickfergus Grammar School blazer and school tie as supplied by outfitters Mid grey box pleated skirt worn to the knee cap or below as supplied by outfitters Plain black school trousers as supplied by outfitters no skinny fit trousers accepted Plain white standard school blouse Plain white standard school shirt Plain navy V necked school jumper or cardigan as supplied by outfitters Plain black tights or white ankle socks Plain navy V necked school jumper or cardigan as supplied by outfitters Plain dark grey or plain black socks Plain black leather shoes with low flat heels no boots or trainer type shoes are accepted Plain black leather shoes with low flat heels no boots or trainer type shoes are accepted Navy white striped apron for H E available from school Navy white striped apron for H E available from school All uniform should be labelled with the owner s name Only the following outdoor clothing is acceptable to and from school a dark rain coat navy dark grey or black A fluorescent band or strip is encouraged for dark mornings evenings No hoodies are permitted to and from school and will be confiscated Only the school scarf should be worn All other scarves will be confiscated GIRLS P E UNIFORM Navy school shorts and or skort BOYS P E UNIFORM School rugby jersey Maroon school polo shirt Navy blue rugby shorts School leggings retro track bottoms stadium pants School hooded sweater retro top Navy and maroon socks Sports trainers Navy blue school polo shirt School hooded sweater retro top School retro track bottoms stadium pants Navy and maroon socks Sports trainers Football rugby boots Training shoes must offer sufficient protection and support for young feet We strongly recommend that these are purchased from a recognised sports retailer Casual footwear and light plimsolls or ConverseTM brand are not acceptable All P E kit should be labelled with the owner s name Shinguards and gum shields are needed for hockey and rugby Pupils should bring a towel and deodorant for all P E Games classes No valuables should ever be left in the school changing rooms We cannot be responsible for the loss of 26 any items which are not given to us for safe keeping

Uniform Policy Saturday Games Away Fixtures Pupils must wear full school or PE uniform on the way to school or when travelling to away fixtures This includes blazer navy overcoat with uniform or school hooded sweater retro top with PE uniform Skirts are to be worn either fully covering the knee cap or partially covering the knee cap As such parents are advised to purchase a skirt at the start of the year which covers the knee cap entirely to allow for growth Girls are not permitted to roll skirts up Hair must be kept neat and tidy Unnatural colours e g blue pink burgundy etc and prominent stylings e g blocked dying stripes buzzed razor cuts etc are not acceptable Hair should be kept a natural colour at all times We do not permit hair colouring tints dyes highlights boys and girls knots or extreme shapes and styles where one part of the head looks very different from another part This includes tipped or double dip including ombre balayage dyed hairstyles There is no discrimination between genders on hair length although neither boys nor girls may have any section of hair cut shorter than grade number 2 This means that the scalp should not be showing at any time Lines shaved into the head or eyebrows will not be tolerated In practical lessons hair must be tied back when requested by a member of staff Make up Discreet foundation only no coloured nailvarnish gel nails or eyelash extensions are permitted No fake tan is permitted Jewellery No earrings are permitted even if concealed by hair or sticking plasters No other facial or visible body piercings including transparent retainers are permitted even when covered by a sticking plaster No wrist jewellery may be worn One flat surfaced ring may be worn Rubber wrist bands are not permitted Badges The following badges are the only ones permitted to be worn on school uniform 1 A badge representing a recognised youth organisation 2 A school badge 3 A badge noting significant achievement eg DoE Award 4 A charity badge The Principal reserves the right to send a pupil home for unacceptable uniform appearance 27

Year 8 Parent Survey 2024 Satisfaction Levels over 95 Carrickfergus Grammar School undertook a very comprehensive and broad ranging survey with Year 8 parents in 2024 Whilst 75 is often considered as a strong indicator of satisfaction we were delighted that so many responses achieved a satisfaction rate of over 95 The percentage indicates the number of responses which either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement and does not include responses marked as neutral 96 4 My child enjoys receiving Positive Notes and feels valued as a result 97 6 Carrickfergus Grammar School is well led and managed 100 There is a clear vision for school development 100 Carrickfergus Grammar School sets high academic standards and expectations for my child 100 My child has the chance to study a wide and varied range of subjects 98 9 Discipline at Carrickfergus Grammar School is good 100 Carrickfergus Grammar School students wear their uniform and PE kits well and with pride 96 4 There are a broad range of extra curricular opportunities on offer to my child 96 1 I feel comfortable about approaching school if I have an issue or concern 95 28 The induction processes at Carrickfergus Grammar School helped my child to settle well 97 6 I agree with the school s knowledge rich curriculum

SCHOOL LIFE First X1 Hockey Team MerWitinnAewrsard Top A ALchevieevlers Sailing Competition BarcYeleoanra8Trip Warhammer Club Equestrian Team The Daniel AOnirmeoal HOoulisveiawBitehan EdinbDuurkgeh of Award Home sweet home

Year 8 Trips and Tours At the end of Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to travel to either Spain Barcelona or France Paris They also visit the Queen s University of Belfast to learn about exciting degree opportunities

CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 120 North Road Carrickfergus BT38 7RA Telephone 028 9336 3615 Fax 028 9336 4270 E Mail info carrickfergusgrammar carrickfergus ni sch uk Website www carrickfergusgrammar com Headmaster Mr J A Maxwell BA Hons PGCE MSc PQH NI Chairperson of the Board of Governors Mr M Smith BSc MBA CEng MIET Controlled Grammar School Non denominational Est 1962 Age Range of pupils 11 18 Admissions Number 116 Enrolment Number 800 An Open Night for P6 P7 pupils and their parents guardians will be held in school on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 6 30pm 9 00pm The Principal will speak in the Assembly Hall at 8 30pm The prospectus will be placed on our school website To parents guardians naming Carrickfergus Grammar School herein referred to as the School as a preference on your child s Transfer Application Entrance Assessment Results Please ensure that you enter the Total Standardised Age Score TSAS awarded by the Schools Entrance Assessment Group SEAG together with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number on the Transfer Application and please note it is the responsibility of parents guardians to make sure that the original Statement of Outcome received from SEAG indicating their child s SEAG Total Standardised Age Score TSAS is uploaded with the Transfer Application SEAG is very clear that its Entrance Assessment consists of two papers A pupil who only takes one paper i e either Paper 1 or Paper 2 but not both will not have completed the full Entrance Assessment Such pupils will however have their single paper marked and will receive a Statement of Outcomes Outcomes for pupils who only sit one paper will have the designation e for estimate immediately after the Outcome e g Total Standardised Age Score TSAS 196e Band 4e Such pupils may be considered for admission by Carrickfergus Grammar School under Special Provisions Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions please read carefully the information given in the relevant section overleaf Please note that you are required to upload with the Transfer Application all such material as you consider will assist the Admissions Subcommittee in determining if Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions apply Claims for consideration for a child under Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions will be examined and decided upon before the application of any of the Admissions Criteria Parents Guardians who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions should complete SC Form and or SP Form obtainable from the School and upload it with appropriate documentation described in section 2 Parents Guardians should note that they are required to produce documents verifying information pertinent to the School s Admissions Criteria If the documents are not uploaded with the Transfer Application as detailed below they will be requested after notification of an offer of a place at the school Respective functions of the Board of Governors and Principal in relation to Admissions to the school Carrickfergus Grammar School is a co educational non denominational controlled grammar school The Board of Governors of Carrickfergus Grammar School has approved the criteria for admission described below and have delegated to an Admissions Sub Committee and the Principal the responsibility of applying its admissions criteria to identify which children are to be admitted to Carrickfergus Grammar School This includes decisions in respect of Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions

1 ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2025 During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered The application procedure opens on 28 January 2025 at 12 noon GMT and an application submitted by the closing date of 20 February 2025 at 12 noon GMT will be treated as a punctual application An application received after 12 noon GMT on 20 February 2025 and up to 4pm on 25 February 2025 will be treated as a late application The Board of Governors will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the school by the applicant on the Transfer Form When considering which children should be selected for admission the Board of Governors will take into account only information which is detailed on or uploaded with the Transfer Application including the Total Standardised Age Score TSAS provided by the Schools Entrance Assessment Group SEAG as a result of the child s performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment or the score assigned as a result of consideration of Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions It is the responsibility of parents guardians to make sure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the School s admissions criteria as outlined below is stated on or uploaded with the Transfer Application Parents Guardians should note that they are required to produce documents verifying information pertinent to the School s Admissions Criteria If the number of applications is greater than the Admissions Number determined by the Department of Education the following criteria to include sub criteria shall be applied in the order listed below until the point where the admissions number is reached If there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion or sub criterion than there are places available or remaining those applicants complying with that criterion or sub criterion will be admitted and the next criterion or sub criterion will be applied to the remaining applicants If there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion or sub criterion than there are places available or remaining those applicants complying with that criterion or sub criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion or sub criterion and those not complying with that criterion or sub criterion will be eliminated 1 1 Children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission to the School before any child not so resident The child s Birth Certificate and proof of address should be uploaded with the Transfer Application Proof of address any TWO of the following recent within the past 6 months documents with sensitive information redacted Bank building society statement Utility bill e g electricity gas TV licence telephone Addressed payslip Letter awarding Child Benefit to the child or another letter relating to this benefit Mortgage statement Land and Property Services Rates Demand Financial statement such as ISA Pension or Endowment Current Driving licence Rental agreement 1 2 The Board of Governors will consider children who have taken the Entrance Assessment administered by the Schools Entrance Assessment Group SEAG The Board of Governors will use the Total Standardised Age Score TSAS as awarded by SEAG to a pupil in the Entrance Assessment subject only to the consideration of parent guardian s claiming Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions as defined overleaf Places will be allocated in strict rank order of the scores starting with the highest score and working in descending rank order up to the Admissions Number 116 The TSAS in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number on the Transfer Application It is the responsibility of parents guardians to make sure that the Statement of Outcomes received from SEAG indicating their child s SEAG Total Standardised Age Score TSAS is uploaded with the Transfer Application

1 3 Places will then be allocated using the following sub criteria in the order listed I Children who at the date of their application have another child of the family 1 currently enrolled at the school state name s and Registration Group s on the Transfer Application II Children who are the eldest eligible child 2 to be eligible to be accepted for enrolment in the School in September 2025 Proof of eldest child should be uploaded with the Transfer Application a letter on headed note paper stating that the child is the eldest eligible child and that the family is known to the verifier from one of the following who is not a family member of the applicant a Primary School Principal a medical practitioner a solicitor an elected public representative a member of the clergy or a police officer III Children attending one of the School s contributory Primary Schools as defined below or attending another school which is closer as the crow flies3 than any of the School s contributory Primary Schools IV Children will be selected for admission on the basis of a random selection process Each application to be considered at this stage will be allocated a random number electronically generated within Microsoft Excel the applications will then be ranked in numerical order with higher numbers having preference over lower numbers The School s contributory Primary Schools are Abbots Cross Acorn Carrickfergus Model Central Integrated Greenisland Silverstream Whiteabbey Islandmagee St Nicholas Whitehead Ashgrove Earlview King s Park Straid Whitehouse Ballycarry Eden Mossley Sunnylands Woodburn Carnmoney Glengormley Integrated Oakfield Victoria Woodlawn If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment and been awarded a Total Standardised Age Score TSAS by SEAG or a score assigned by the Admissions Sub committee in accordance with the arrangements for Special Circumstances and Special Provisions as set out below the School will consider for admission any children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment Such children if they satisfy Criterion 1 1 will be allocated to the remaining place s up to the School s Admissions Number using the sub criteria listed in section 1 3 in the order set out 2 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES and SPECIAL PROVISIONS General The purpose of a claim for special circumstances and or special provisions is so that a child can be assigned a Total Standardised Age Score TSAS equivalent to that which he or she would have obtained in the SEAG Entrance Assessment under normal conditions Consideration of a claim for special circumstances and or special provisions consists of two parts the first requires the consideration of whether there is sufficient material to permit a child to be considered as having special circumstances or attracting special provisions or both if a child is permitted to be considered as having special circumstances or as attracting special provisions or both the second part of the consideration requires an educational judgement to be made on the totality of the material presented to the 1 Child of the family covers a child born to a married couple or to a couple in a civil partnership a child born to a co habiting couple a child born to a single parent a child of either any of those people by a previous marriage civil partnership or relationship a child living with a couple who has been treated as a child of the family whether there is a marriage or a civil partnership or not a child living with an individual who has b een treated as a child of the family an adopted or fostered child a situation where for example an orphaned cousin is being brought up with a family or individual 2 Eldest eligible child of the family includes applicants who although not chronologically the eldest in the family are to be treated as the eldest eligible child of the family in the following circumstances where the applicant is more than seven years younger by birth date than the next eldest sibling where the applicant is the eldest child of a reconstituted family where the applicant is the first in the family to transfer to a mainstream post primary school in Northern Ireland due to an elder sibling being statemented or attending a special school where a family has relocated to Nor thern Ireland Twins and other multiple birth applicants will be regarded as joint eldest 3 as measured using the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland OSNI online Distance Measuring Tool using 6 figure northings and eastings grid references to identify distance from the front gates of Carrickfergus Grammar School to individual schools

Admissions Sub committee so that a Total Standardised Age Score TSAS equivalent to that which the child would have obtained in the SEAG Entrance Assessment under normal conditions can be assigned Please note parents guardians are required to upload with the Transfer Application all such material that will assist the Admissions Sub committee in performing both parts of the consideration described above It should be noted by parents guardians that both parts of the consideration referred to involve an exercise in educational judgement and not precise calculation Educational Evidence to be provided in support of a claim for Special Circumstances and or Special Provisions In reaching the educational judgement needed to assign a Total Standardised Age Score TSAS that the child would have obtained in the SEAG Entrance Assessment under normal circumstances the Admissions Sub committee will consider any material uploaded with the Transfer Application by the parents guardians This material should include all of the following i The Total Standardised Age Score TSAS score awarded by SEAG in the Entrance Assessment if the child sits both SEAG Entrance Assessments or the TSAS estimate provided by SEAG if the child sits only one of the EntranceAssessments due to the child s illness or other unforeseen circumstances ii The results for the child of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5 Year 6 and Year 7 iii Comparative information from the Primary School including the results without names for other children in the child s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5 Year 6 and Year 7 and where available the respective SEAG Total Standardised Age Score TSAS awarded iv Any other relevant material Parents should be advised that comparative standardised data as outlined in the points above will carry greater weight Special Circumstances Carrickfergus Grammar School has academic performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment as one of its criteria subject only to the consideration of medical or other problems which may have affected performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature These medical or other problems are commonly referred to as special circumstances Please note that if a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special Access arrangements were granted for a child the Admissions Sub committee will take into account the fact that the child was granted Special Access arrangements for those matters Parents guardians who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC obtainable from the School stating the precise reason why they believe the child should be considered for Special Circumstances The SC Form and appropriate documentary evidence should be uploaded with the Transfer Application The Admissions Sub committee will consider each application for Special Circumstances Where a Special Circumstances claim is upheld the Admissions Sub committee will assign on the basis of the information available an equivalent Total Standardised Age Score TSAS for the child Such children will then be considered with all other children who have received a SEAG Total Standardised Age Score TSAS score and the Admissions Criteria applied Details of Medical or Other Problems Where it is claimed that a child s performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessments has been affected by a medical or other problem it is the responsibility of the parents guardians to set out in the Form SC precise details of the problem and upload with the Transfer Application the evidence to corroborate its existence Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the child only at the time of the SEAG Entrance Assessments parents guardians should be aware that the Admissions Sub committee will attach greater weight to evidence indicating that the child was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessments Where the problem is of a non medical nature the parents guardians should set out in the Form SC precise details of the problem and upload appropriate documentary evidence with the Transfer Application It should be noted that independent evidence will carry greater weight

Special Provisions Special provisions will apply for a children whose parents guardians wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland b children who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland c children who due to a serious medical issue supported by appropriate documentary evidence or for a demonstrably valid reason also supported by appropriate documentary evidence were either unable to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment OR have estimated Outcomes from SEAG because they only sat one of the two Entrance Assessment Papers d religious observance whereby faith precludes from sitting tests on the designated SEAG Assessment days Note It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the SEAG Entrance Assessments with the exception of those children who take up residence in Northern Ireland after 26 September 2024 Parents Guardians who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should contact the School as soon as possible In addition they should complete Form SP obtainable from the School stating the precise reason why they believe the child is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and upload appropriate documentary evidence with the Transfer Application including any educational evidence as detailed under Special Circumstances above that might assist the panel to determine an appropriate score A copy of Form SP and all the documentary evidence should be uploaded with the Transfer Application The Admissions Sub committee will consider each application for Special Provisions Where Special Provisions are accepted the following procedure will apply a The applicant will have the opportunity to sit a standardised independent assessment of ability in English Mathematics and or Verbal Reasoning chosen by the School and b The Admissions Sub committee will assign on the basis of the information available an equivalent Total Standardised Age Score TSAS for the child Such children will then be considered with all other children who have received a SEAG Total Standardised Age Score TSAS and the Admissions Criteria applied 3 NOTE TO PARENTS GUARDIANS It is the responsibility of parents guardians to ensure that the Transfer Application is completed in full and that all relevant information is uploaded with the Transfer Application If the Board of Governors becomes aware of any irregularity in the details uploaded or included on the Transfer Application it reserves the right to reject the application made on behalf of the child for admission to the School 4 DUTY TO VERIFY THE VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION PROVIDED Those making applications should note that the information contained within an application that qualifies the child for admission will be verified The Board of Governors therefore reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any Transfer Application Those making applications should also note the provision of false information or incorrect information or the failure to provide verifying documents according to the required deadline may result in either the withdrawal of a place or the inability of the School to offer a place 5 ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE TRANSFER PROCESS Carrickfergus Grammar School operates a separate waiting list for Year 8 All applications for admission to Year 8 that were unsuccessful in obtaining a place in the school will be automatically added to the waiting list New applications and applications where new information has been provided will also be added to the waiting list The Year 8 waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2026 Please contact the School if you wish your child s name to be removed from the list Should a vacancy arise after the date upon which placement letters have been issued from the Education Authority the procedure outlined above in the Admissions Criteria for entry of children to Year 8 will

be followed in relation to those applications on the Year 8 waiting list The School will contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the School by this method Should the Admissions Sub committee of the Board of Governors determine that a child who has arrived in Northern Ireland after the Transfer Process has been concluded is suitable for admission it will seek approval from the Department of Education to admit the child through the allocation of an additional place Year 8 Applications and Admissions Year 2022 2023 2023 2024 2024 2025 Admissions No 116 116 116 Total Applications All Preferences 128 169 158 Total Admissions 116 116 116 This table does not include children who were admitted to the school with a statement of special educational needs or through Exceptional Circumstances Tribunals 6 ADMISSIONS TO YEARS 9 11 The school operates a waiting list for places in Years 9 11 The waiting list is reviewed twice a year in December and March If parents wish their child to be added to the waiting list they should contact the school and complete form AP1 available from the School Admission will only be considered if there are vacant places in the Year Group if the school s overall enrolment number is not exceeded and if admission would not prejudice the efficient use of the school s resources If the number of applications is greater than the school s Admissions Number the following conditions shall be applied progressively in the order set out below Children will be placed in rank order of their aggregate score in tests completed in the year prior to entrance to the school which will be set by the Board of Governors of this school incorporating English and Mathematics If children are tied on the same aggregate score then pupils shall be selected by the application of Criteria as set out in the current Transfer Booklet until the school s admissions number has been reached Applicants will then be interviewed as part of the application process and this interview will form part of the selection process Prior to interview parents guardians of applicants will be required to provide copies of their child s most recent school report from their current school School reserves the right at discretion not to award a place to an applicant if the academic reports and or behavioural information from the applicant s previous school are not satisfactory The parent or guardian of the pupil and the pupil themselves must also commit to abiding by the protocols high standards of behaviour and school routines as have been adopted by all pupils and their parents guardians who are currently enrolled in the school

CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 120 North Road Carrickfergus Co Antrim BT38 7RA Tel 028 9336 3615 Email info carrickfergusgrammar carrickfergus ni sch uk Web www carrickfergusgrammar com