Rathfriland High School, NEWRY
Rathfriland High School is a grammar school for pupils in Newry.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Rathfriland High School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Rathfriland High School is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
380 pupils are enrolled, 18% are entitled to free school meals and 3% are Catholic and 70% Protestant.
89 pupils (23% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 22 of them with a statement.
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Rathfriland High School.
2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Newry St, 160 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to Rathfriland High School are St Mary's Primary School (0.4 miles), Iveagh Primary School (0.4 miles) and St Patrick's Primary School (1.8 miles). As a grammar school, Rathfriland High School admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
St Mary's Primary SchoolIveagh Primary SchoolSt Patrick'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 Rathfriland High School in April 2018.
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 (79 pupils)
79.7%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
96.2%
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 Rathfriland High School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
89
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
23.4%
of pupils enrolled
22
With a statement (stage 3)
67
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
Rathfriland High School
Questions parents ask about Rathfriland High School
When was Rathfriland High School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Rathfriland High School in April 2018.
What are exam results like at Rathfriland High School?
In 2024/25, of the 79 Year 12 pupils at Rathfriland High School, 79.7% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 96.2% 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 Rathfriland High School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Rathfriland 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 Rathfriland High School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Rathfriland High School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Rathfriland High School?
Rathfriland High School is at 78 NEWRY STREET, RATHFRILAND, NEWRY, DOWN, BT34 5PZ.