Abbey Community College, NEWTOWNABBEY
Abbey Community College is a grammar school for pupils in Newtownabbey.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Abbey Community College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Abbey Community College is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
857 pupils are enrolled, 51% are entitled to free school meals, 3% are Catholic and 69% Protestant and 2% are newcomer pupils.
225 pupils (26% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 103 of them with a statement.
Abbey Community College in its own words
In its own words: "Our shared vision for Abbey Community College is Creating Better Futures by providing education with the individual at the heart of the community, through a dynamic curriculum, excellence in pastoral care and high expectations for all. Our core values underpin all aspects of daily life at Abbey Community College and are the cornerstones of our student Rewards System."
Vision and values (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Abbey Community College are Belfast High School (1.7 miles); Glengormley High School (1.9 miles); Integrated College, Glengormley (2 miles); and Edmund Rice College (2.6 miles).
Belfast High SchoolGlengormley High SchoolIntegrated College, GlengormleyEdmund Rice College
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Abbey Community College.
9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Monkstown Community High, 20 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Abbey Community College are Hollybank Primary School (0.5 miles), King's Park Primary School (0.9 miles), St Macnissi's Primary School (0.9 miles) and St James' Primary School and Nursery Unit (1 mile). As a grammar school, Abbey Community College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Hollybank Primary SchoolKing's Park Primary SchoolSt Macnissi's Primary SchoolSt James' Primary School and Nursery Unit
Sources: Department of Education (NI) school data; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
Department of Education (NI)Inspection
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Abbey Community College in March 2026.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Exam results, 2024/25
GCSEs, Year 12 (127 pupils)
29.9%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
89.8%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (47 pupils)
38.3%
3+ A-levels at A* to C
95.7%
2+ A-levels at A* to E
Equivalent qualifications count towards these figures.
The Department of Education says these figures are not a fair way to compare one school with another: they take no account of the pupils each school takes in, or of anything else that affects results. Read them alongside everything else you know about the school.
Keep up with Abbey Community College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
225
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
26.3%
of pupils enrolled
103
With a statement (stage 3)
122
At stages 1 to 2
From the Department of Education (NI) school census. The department does not publish very small counts, which show here as "Not published".
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Abbey Community College
Showing 10 of 12 linked schools
Questions parents ask about Abbey Community College
When was Abbey Community College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Abbey Community College in March 2026.
What are exam results like at Abbey Community College?
In 2024/25, of the 127 Year 12 pupils at Abbey Community College, 29.9% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 89.8% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 47 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 38.3% achieved three or more A-levels at grades A* to C, and 95.7% achieved two or more at A* to E. The Department of Education says these figures are not a fair way to compare one school with another: they take no account of the pupils each school takes in, or of anything else that affects results. Read them alongside everything else you know about the school.
How are places allocated at Abbey Community College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Abbey Community College are allocated on the school's published admissions criteria through the Education Authority's transfer process, and post-primary schools may use an entrance assessment.
How do I apply to Abbey Community College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Abbey Community College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Abbey Community College?
Abbey Community College is at Bridge Road, Monkstown, NEWTOWNABBEY, ANTRIM, BT37 0EA.