St Paul's High School, NEWRY
St Paul's High School is a grammar school for pupils in Newry.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
St Paul's High School in detail
School in Northern Ireland
St Paul's High School is a catholic maintained school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
1805 pupils are enrolled, 25% are entitled to free school meals, 98% are Catholic and 1% Protestant and 1% are newcomer pupils.
416 pupils (23% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 223 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to St Paul's High School are Our Lady's Grammar School (2 miles), St Colman's College (2 miles), St Joseph's Boys' High School (2 miles) and Newry High School (2.3 miles).
Our Lady's Grammar SchoolSt Colman's CollegeSt Joseph's Boys' High SchoolNewry High School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of St Paul's High School.
4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Pauls School Bessbrook, 80 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to St Paul's High School are St Peter's Primary School (0.7 miles), Bessbrook Primary School (0.8 miles), St Malachy's Primary School (1 mile) and St Joseph's Primary School (1 mile). As a grammar school, St Paul's High School admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
St Peter's Primary SchoolBessbrook Primary SchoolSt Malachy's Primary SchoolSt Joseph'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 St Paul's High School in February 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 (253 pupils)
77.1%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
93.3%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C
A-levels, Year 14 (139 pupils)
85.6%
3+ A-levels at A* to C
99.3%
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 St Paul's High School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
416
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
23.0%
of pupils enrolled
223
With a statement (stage 3)
193
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 St Paul's High School
When was St Paul's High School last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on St Paul's High School in February 2019.
What are exam results like at St Paul's High School?
In 2024/25, of the 253 Year 12 pupils at St Paul's High School, 77.1% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 93.3% achieved five or more at A* to C in any subjects (equivalent qualifications count). Of the 139 pupils finishing an A-level or equivalent course in Year 14, 85.6% achieved three or more A-levels at grades A* to C, and 99.3% 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 St Paul's High School?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at St Paul's 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 St Paul's High School?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming St Paul's High School. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is St Paul's High School?
St Paul's High School is at 108 CAMLOUGH ROAD, BESSBROOK, NEWRY, DOWN, BT35 7EE.