Banbridge Academy, BANBRIDGE
Banbridge Academy is a grammar school for pupils in Banbridge.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Banbridge Academy in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Banbridge Academy is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
1349 pupils are enrolled, 4% are entitled to free school meals and 17% are Catholic and 61% Protestant.
53 pupils (4% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 28 of them with a statement.
Banbridge Academy in its own words
From the headteacher's welcome: "Although Banbridge Academy was founded in 1786, it has only been in its present location, Edenderry House, since 1950. Major development work has given us a fine suite of well-resourced buildings and classrooms."
Coming up: an open day on Friday 30 October 2026, an open day on Monday 9 November 2026, an open day on Tuesday 10 November 2026 and an open day on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.
All school open days in Armagh City, Banbridge And Craigavon
Headteacher's welcome (school website)Open days on the school's site (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Banbridge Academy are St Patrick's College (0.7 miles), Banbridge High School (0.9 miles) and New-Bridge Integrated College (3.1 miles).
St Patrick's CollegeBanbridge High SchoolNew-Bridge Integrated College
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Banbridge Academy.
5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Academy, 100 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Banbridge Academy are Edenderry Primary School (0.2 miles), St Mary's Primary School (0.5 miles), Abercorn Primary School (0.9 miles) and Bridge Integrated Primary School (1 mile). As a grammar school, Banbridge Academy admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Edenderry Primary SchoolSt Mary's Primary SchoolAbercorn Primary SchoolBridge Integrated Primary School
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 Banbridge Academy in January 2019.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
About
Banbridge Academy is a grammar school in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, founded in 1786. As of January 2015, the Principal is Robin McLoughlin, previously a headmaster of Grosvenor Grammar School.
From Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Exam results, 2024/25
GCSEs, Year 12 (200 pupils)
99.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
99.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (178 pupils)
88.8%
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 Banbridge Academy
Banbridge Academy National Success in the Schools Bible Project
30 Sep 2026
Banbridge Academy Pupils Make Their Mark at the UK School Games
23 Sep 2026
Banbridge Academy Careers Fair Showcases Opportunities Across Education and Industry
22 Sep 2026
Banbridge Academy students achieve fantastic GCSE outcomes
20 Aug 2026
Tremendous A Level results for Banbridge Academy students
13 Aug 2026
Banbridge Academy Celebrates Prestigious Shortlisting at Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards
4 Jun 2026
From Banbridge Academy's website. School Signal is not affiliated with the school.
Social & online
Keep up with Banbridge Academy
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
53
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
3.9%
of pupils enrolled
28
With a statement (stage 3)
25
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
Questions parents ask about Banbridge Academy
When was Banbridge Academy last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Banbridge Academy in January 2019.
What are exam results like at Banbridge Academy?
In 2024/25, of the 200 Year 12 pupils at Banbridge Academy, 99.5% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 99.5% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 178 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 88.8% 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 Banbridge Academy?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Banbridge Academy 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 Banbridge Academy?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Banbridge Academy. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Banbridge Academy?
Banbridge Academy is at LURGAN ROAD, BANBRIDGE, DOWN, BT32 4AQ.