Ballycastle High School, BALLYCASTLE
Ballycastle High School is a grammar school for pupils in Ballycastle.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Ballycastle High School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Ballycastle High School is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
389 pupils are enrolled, 27% are entitled to free school meals, 5% are Catholic and 75% Protestant and 2% are newcomer pupils.
50 pupils (13% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 17 of them with a statement.
Ballycastle High School in its own words
From the headteacher's welcome: "Ballycastle High School was established on the present campus more than 55 years ago. In that time we have been at the forefront of educational developments within our local community and beyond."
Headteacher's welcome (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Ballycastle High School.
11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is High Sch Grounds, 160 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Ballycastle High School are St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primary School (under 0.1 miles), Ballycastle Integrated Primary School (0.3 miles) and Gaelscoil an Chaistil (0.5 miles). As a grammar school, Ballycastle High School admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primary SchoolBallycastle Integrated Primary SchoolGaelscoil an Chaistil
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 Ballycastle High School in March 2019.
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 (66 pupils)
54.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
65.2%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (18 pupils)
44.4%
3+ A-levels at A* to C
100%
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.
Latest from Ballycastle High School
Congratulations to the Senior Prefects of 2026-27
22 Sep 2026
Open Night
31 Dec 2025
Congratulations to the Senior Prefects of 2025-26
8 Sep 2025
Sixth Form Options Morning
19 Feb 2025
Open Night
11 Dec 2024
FAQ's regarding construction of new school:
22 Oct 2024
From Ballycastle High School's website. School Signal is not affiliated with the school.
Social & online
Keep up with Ballycastle High School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
50
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
12.9%
of pupils enrolled
17
With a statement (stage 3)
33
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
Ballycastle High School
Questions parents ask about Ballycastle High School
When was Ballycastle High School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Ballycastle High School in March 2019.
What are exam results like at Ballycastle High School?
In 2024/25, of the 66 Year 12 pupils at Ballycastle High School, 54.5% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 65.2% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 18 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 44.4% achieved three or more A-levels at grades A* to C, and 100% 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 Ballycastle High School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Ballycastle High School 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 Ballycastle High School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Ballycastle High School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Ballycastle High School?
Ballycastle High School is at 33 RATHLIN ROAD, BALLYCASTLE, ANTRIM, BT54 6LD.