Kilkeel High School, NEWRY
Kilkeel High School is a grammar school for pupils in Newry.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Kilkeel High School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Kilkeel High School is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
762 pupils are enrolled, 15% are entitled to free school meals, 3% are Catholic and 83% Protestant and 3% are newcomer pupils.
130 pupils (17% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 37 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Kilkeel High School are St Columban's College (1.1 miles) and St Louis Grammar School (1.3 miles).
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Kilkeel High School.
2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Kilkeel High Sch, 100 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Kilkeel High School are Kilkeel Primary School (under 0.1 miles), St Colman's Primary School (0.4 miles), St Columban's Primary School (1.2 miles) and Gaelscoil na mBeann (1.3 miles). As a grammar school, Kilkeel High School admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Kilkeel Primary SchoolSt Colman's Primary SchoolSt Columban's Primary SchoolGaelscoil na mBeann
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 Kilkeel High School in January 2025.
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)
72.9%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
78.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (63 pupils)
46%
3+ A-levels at A* to C
96.8%
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 Kilkeel High School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
130
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
17.1%
of pupils enrolled
37
With a statement (stage 3)
93
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 Kilkeel High School
When was Kilkeel High School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Kilkeel High School in January 2025.
What are exam results like at Kilkeel High School?
In 2024/25, of the 107 Year 12 pupils at Kilkeel High School, 72.9% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 78.5% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 63 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 46% achieved three or more A-levels at grades A* to C, and 96.8% 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 Kilkeel High School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Kilkeel 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 Kilkeel High School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Kilkeel High School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Kilkeel High School?
Kilkeel High School is at KNOCKCHREE AVENUE, KILKEEL, NEWRY, DOWN, BT34 4BP.