Priory College, HOLYWOOD
Priory College is a grammar school for pupils in Holywood.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Priory College in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Priory College is a controlled integrated school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
712 pupils are enrolled, 35% are entitled to free school meals, 16% are Catholic and 52% Protestant and 1% are newcomer pupils.
292 pupils (41% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 117 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to Priory College are Sullivan Upper School (0.2 miles), Ashfield Girls' High School (2.3 miles), Ashfield Boys' High School (2.3 miles) and Campbell College (2.6 miles).
Sullivan Upper SchoolAshfield Girls' High SchoolAshfield Boys' High SchoolCampbell College
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Priory College.
6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Priory College, 140 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Priory College are Sullivan Upper School (under 0.1 miles), St Patrick's Primary School (0.1 miles), Holywood Primary School (0.2 miles) and Knocknagoney Primary School (1.6 miles). As a grammar school, Priory College admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
Sullivan Upper SchoolSt Patrick's Primary SchoolHolywood Primary SchoolKnocknagoney 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 Priory College in November 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 (97 pupils)
59.8%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
88.7%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (44 pupils)
68.2%
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.
Keep up with Priory College
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
292
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
41.0%
of pupils enrolled
117
With a statement (stage 3)
175
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 Priory College
When was Priory College last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Priory College in November 2025.
What are exam results like at Priory College?
In 2024/25, of the 97 Year 12 pupils at Priory College, 59.8% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 88.7% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 44 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 68.2% 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 Priory College?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Priory 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 Priory College?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Priory College. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Priory College?
Priory College is at MY LADY'S MILE, HOLYWOOD, DOWN, BT18 9ER.