Cullybackey College, BALLYMENA
Cullybackey College is a grammar school for pupils in Ballymena.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Cullybackey College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Cullybackey College is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
662 pupils are enrolled, 26% are entitled to free school meals, 3% are Catholic and 70% Protestant and 2% are newcomer pupils.
179 pupils (27% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 45 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Cullybackey College are Ballymena Academy (2.8 miles), St Louis Grammar School (3.1 miles), Dunclug College (3.1 miles) and Cambridge House Grammar School (3.1 miles).
Ballymena AcademySt Louis Grammar SchoolDunclug CollegeCambridge House Grammar School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Cullybackey College.
9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cullybackey Schools, 40 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Cullybackey College are Buick Memorial Primary School (under 0.1 miles) and The Diamond Primary School (1.4 miles). As a grammar school, Cullybackey College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
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 Cullybackey College in November 2024.
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 (107 pupils)
44.9%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
87.9%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (26 pupils)
46.2%
3+ A-levels at A* to C
92.3%
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 Cullybackey College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
179
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
27.0%
of pupils enrolled
45
With a statement (stage 3)
134
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
Cullybackey College
Questions parents ask about Cullybackey College
When was Cullybackey College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Cullybackey College in November 2024.
What are exam results like at Cullybackey College?
In 2024/25, of the 107 Year 12 pupils at Cullybackey College, 44.9% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 87.9% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 26 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 46.2% achieved three or more A-levels at grades A* to C, and 92.3% 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 Cullybackey College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Cullybackey 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 Cullybackey College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Cullybackey College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Cullybackey College?
Cullybackey College is at 44 POTTINGER STREET, CULLYBACKEY, BALLYMENA, ANTRIM, BT42 1BP.