Blackwater Integrated College, DOWNPATRICK
Blackwater Integrated College is a grammar school for pupils in Downpatrick.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Blackwater Integrated College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Blackwater Integrated College is a gmi school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
286 pupils are enrolled, 36% are entitled to free school meals, 39% are Catholic and 30% Protestant and 11% are newcomer pupils.
132 pupils (46% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 99 of them with a statement.
Blackwater Integrated College in its own words
In its own words: "At Blackwater we have a mission statement that encompasses all that we are are and aim to achieve;"
Clubs and activities named on the school's website include dance and drama.
Coming up: an admissions event on Monday 2 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.
All school open days in Newry, Mourne And Down
Vision and values (school website)Clubs (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 Blackwater Integrated College are Lecale Trinity Grammar School (0.5 miles), Down High School (0.6 miles), St Patrick's Grammar School (0.7 miles) and De La Salle High School (0.7 miles).
Lecale Trinity Grammar SchoolDown High SchoolSt Patrick's Grammar SchoolDe La Salle High School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Blackwater Integrated College.
4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Down Accademy, 60 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Blackwater Integrated College are St Brigid's Primary School (0.5 miles), Downpatrick Primary School (0.7 miles), Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School (1 mile) and St Colmcille's Primary School (1.5 miles). As a grammar school, Blackwater Integrated College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
St Brigid's Primary SchoolDownpatrick Primary SchoolOur Lady and St Patrick Primary SchoolSt Colmcille's 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 Blackwater Integrated College in November 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 (43 pupils)
46.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
76.7%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
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 Blackwater Integrated College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
132
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
46.2%
of pupils enrolled
99
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
Blackwater Integrated College
Questions parents ask about Blackwater Integrated College
When was Blackwater Integrated College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Blackwater Integrated College in November 2019.
What are exam results like at Blackwater Integrated College?
In 2024/25, of the 43 Year 12 pupils at Blackwater Integrated College, 46.5% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 76.7% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). 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 Blackwater Integrated College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Blackwater Integrated 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 Blackwater Integrated College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Blackwater Integrated College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Blackwater Integrated College?
Blackwater Integrated College is at 12 Old Belfast Road, Downpatrick, DOWNPATRICK, DOWN, BT30 6SG.