Dunclug College, BALLYMENA
Dunclug College is a grammar school for pupils in Ballymena.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Dunclug College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Dunclug College is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
893 pupils are enrolled, 37% are entitled to free school meals, 6% are Catholic and 63% Protestant and 4% are newcomer pupils.
263 pupils (30% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 95 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Dunclug College are St Patrick's College (0.5 miles), St Louis Grammar School (0.8 miles), Ballymena Academy (1.2 miles) and Cambridge House Grammar School (1.6 miles).
St Patrick's CollegeSt Louis Grammar SchoolBallymena AcademyCambridge House Grammar School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Dunclug College.
4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Dunclug College, 160 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Dunclug College are Dunclug Primary School (under 0.1 miles), St Brigid's Primary School (0.4 miles), Braidside Integrated Primary School (0.6 miles) and Ballymena Primary School (0.6 miles). As a grammar school, Dunclug College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Dunclug Primary SchoolSt Brigid's Primary SchoolBraidside Integrated Primary SchoolBallymena 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 Dunclug College 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 (134 pupils)
47%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
75.4%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (46 pupils)
47.8%
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 Dunclug College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
263
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
29.5%
of pupils enrolled
95
With a statement (stage 3)
168
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 Dunclug College
When was Dunclug College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Dunclug College in March 2019.
What are exam results like at Dunclug College?
In 2024/25, of the 134 Year 12 pupils at Dunclug College, 47% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 75.4% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 46 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 47.8% 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 Dunclug College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Dunclug 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 Dunclug College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Dunclug College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Dunclug College?
Dunclug College is at DOURY ROAD, BALLYMENA, ANTRIM, BT43 6SU.