Key Highlights
- Strathearn School in Belfast named top grammar school in Northern Ireland for 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
- The school achieved an impressive 83% A*-B grades at A-level and 79% A* or A grades at GCSE, marking the highest year on record.
- Principal Nicola Connery emphasized the holistic approach to education, focusing on wellbeing and a range of opportunities beyond academics.
- The rankings are based on examination results from 2025, reflecting Strathearn’s consistent performance in academic excellence over several years.
Strathearn School Named Top Grammar School in Northern Ireland
Strathearn School in Belfast has been named the top grammar school in Northern Ireland for 2026, according to the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. Principal Nicola Connery expressed her excitement about this recognition, stating, “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.”
Academic Excellence
The Belmont Road school’s success in academic excellence is evident from its examination results. In 2025, Strathearn recorded an impressive 83% A*-B grades at A-level and 79% A* or A grades at GCSE, marking the highest year on record for the school. This achievement places the school at the forefront of academic performance in Northern Ireland.
Strathearn School has consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, with this year’s ranking as the first-place winner. The guide also recognized five other grammar schools from Northern Ireland in the top 50 across the UK, including Rathmore Grammar School as State Secondary School of the Year for the educational landscape.
Philosophy and Approach
Mrs Connery highlighted Strathearn’s commitment to providing a holistic education. “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 realize their full potential across a wide range of both curricular and extra-curricular areas,” she explained.
Strathearn prides itself on offering a range of opportunities, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities. The principal emphasized that the school’s success “transcends all aspects of school life” and is deeply rooted in ensuring the wellbeing of its pupils. “We make no difference,” said Mrs Connery. “We’re open to everybody. We purposely don’t look at a pupil’s religion, because once you put on that uniform you become a Strathearn girl.” This inclusive approach reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing every student’s unique talents and aspirations.
Other Top Schools in Northern Ireland
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide highlighted other top schools in Northern Ireland. St Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls placed third, with the 2025 rankings showing a strong performance. Last year’s top school in Northern Ireland, Friends’ School Lisburn, came in fourth place this time around.
Strathearn School has been named top in Northern Ireland in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. “The educational landscape is testing — budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs, and an increasingly uncertain future,” said Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
Despite these challenges, Strathearn’s dedication to its students’ wellbeing and academic success continues to stand out.
For more information on the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide rankings, visit their official website or refer to the guide published online today. The guide remains an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.
