The High School Ballynahinch, BALLYNAHINCH
The High School Ballynahinch is a grammar school for pupils in Ballynahinch.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
The High School Ballynahinch in detail
School in Northern Ireland
The High School Ballynahinch is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
379 pupils are enrolled, 33% are entitled to free school meals, 7% are Catholic and 65% Protestant and 5% are newcomer pupils.
189 pupils (50% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 103 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state secondary schools to The High School Ballynahinch are Assumption Grammar School (0.4 miles), St Colman's High and Sixth Form College (0.5 miles) and Saintfield High School (4.5 miles).
Assumption Grammar SchoolSt Colman's High and Sixth Form CollegeSaintfield High School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of The High School Ballynahinch.
3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ballynahinch High, 90 metres away.
Primary schools nearby
The primary schools closest to The High School Ballynahinch are St Patrick's Primary School (0.4 miles), Drumlins Integrated Primary School (0.6 miles) and Ballynahinch Primary School (0.9 miles). As a grammar school, The High School Ballynahinch admits pupils mainly on the results of a transfer test, by the criteria in its own admissions policy.
St Patrick's Primary SchoolDrumlins Integrated Primary SchoolBallynahinch 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 The High School Ballynahinch in June 2024.
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 (95 pupils)
49.5%
5+ GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths
90.5%
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 The High School Ballynahinch
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
189
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
49.9%
of pupils enrolled
103
With a statement (stage 3)
86
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
The High School Ballynahinch
Questions parents ask about The High School Ballynahinch
When was The High School Ballynahinch last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on The High School Ballynahinch in June 2024.
What are exam results like at The High School Ballynahinch?
In 2024/25, of the 95 Year 12 pupils at The High School Ballynahinch, 49.5% achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths, and 90.5% 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 The High School Ballynahinch?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at The High School Ballynahinch 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 The High School Ballynahinch?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming The High School Ballynahinch. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is The High School Ballynahinch?
The High School Ballynahinch is at 103 BELFAST ROAD, BALLYNAHINCH, DOWN, BT24 8EH.