East Down Advertiser

12/12/2025

05/12/2025

Strathearn School named top school in Northern Ireland

Strathearn School – a girls’ grammar school based on Belfast’s Belmont Road – is this year ranked first of all grammar schools in Northern Ireland, and 31 in the top 150 state secondary schools across the UK, according to the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

The rankings are based on 2025 examination results, when pupils at Strathearn School recorded 83% grades A*-B at A-level. The same year, 79% of all GCSE grades achieved by Strathearn pupils were A* or A – the highest year on record for the School.

Strathearn emphasises a caring, supportive environment where “each individual is valued.” The school aims not only for academic success, but also for the personal growth of pupils: fostering confidence, self-esteem, a love of learning, and a sense of belonging.

Strathearn School Principal Nicola Connery commented: “Having consistently ranked in the top cohort of grammar schools in this prestigious report, we are thrilled to rank in first place this year – particularly given the exceptionally high quality of grammar schools listed across Northern Ireland.

“This is testament to the outstanding hard work, talent and determination of our pupils, the support and encouragement of their families at home, and the inspirational dedication of our superb team of teaching and non-teaching staff.”

Whilst the rankings focus on examination results, Mrs Connery said that Strathearn’s success “transcends all aspects of school life”.

“Our ethos as a school centres on providing a caring and nurturing environment in which every pupil is celebrated for their own individual talents and is encouraged to realise their full potential across a wide range of both curricular and extra-curricular areas.”

Paying tribute to the staff at the School, Rosemary Bailie, Chair of the Board of Governors at Strathearn, commented: “Led by Mrs Connery and the staff of Strathearn School work exceptionally hard throughout the school year to encourage and empower our pupils to excel in all that they do, and this reflects in these latest rankings.”


Credit: The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026
Hyperlink: https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw

Pictured:
Strathearn School Principal Nicola Connery

26/11/2025

Did somebody mention a Christmas raffle ??? 👏 check THIS out ⬇️Blackwater Integrated College

BIC Parents Association 🎄🎅🏼 Christmas Raffle 🎅🏼🎄

Our Parents Association have organised a Christmas Raffle to raise money to buy New Team kits for school sports and prizes for children’s attendance during school term. 🤩

Raffle tickets will be sent home with pupils this week and if you wish to participate, please fill out your details on the tickets and return them with the money in the envelope provided.

Tickets will be £1 each or 6 for £5 🎄

🥇1st Prize - £100 Cash
🥈2nd Prize - £100 Lisburn Airtastic Voucher
🥉3rd Prize - Afternoon Tea for 2 at La Mon

There are also many other vouchers on offer:
❄️ £40 Voucher for Finnebrogue Woods
❄️ Express Facial at Pure Spa
❄️ Cinema voucher

Many other prizes to be won 🥳🤩

Draw will take place in school on Friday 12th December

⛄️Please buy a ticket or sell them to family or friends. All money raised will be directly going towards school equipment and supplies

If you require any more tickets please see Mrs Sullivan

Thank you for your continued support for our School😊

26/11/2025

Newcastle Fireplaces: Black Friday Deals to warm the Heart & Home!

A new business, Newcastle Fireplaces, has now opened its doors, fast becoming a go-to destination for homeowners looking to add warmth and style to their living spaces. The company specializes in a variety of heating solutions, including fireplaces, stoves, media walls, and electric fires. New for this winter - now supplying Dielle pellet stoves!
Call in and fine massive Black Friday savings across various items in their massive Black Friday Sale from Wed 26th – Sat 29th November!
Located at Unit 12, 63A Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, BT33 0JX, the business aims to supply and fit high-quality products that meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Including a range of modern and traditional options, from sleek, freestanding stoves to classic white fireplace mantels.
For more information or inquiries, Newcastle Fireplaces can be reached at Tel: (0)77 4247 8070.
Are you considering updating your home with a new fireplace or stove?

11/11/2025

Amazing 🤩 well done 👏

Ballynahinch Rugby Club was pleased to host the annual table quiz in memory of Olivia Patton on Friday 17th October. It was a heartwarming evening filled with generosity and community spirit.

All funds raised will go directly to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, where Olivia was lovingly cared for.

A huge thank you to Brian Hunter for keeping the crowd entertained as our brilliant host and quizmaster, and to everyone who attended and supported the cause.

Rachel and Mark Patton extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Members and Committee of Ballynahinch Rugby Club for once again opening their doors and helping make the event a great success, and to all who came along and supported a cause so close to their hearts.

Pictured is Aoife Jennings from Little Heroes, official charity of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, PICU Nurse Joanne Jennings, John Gunston, AIL Rugby Legend, Mark, Rachel, James & Arthur Patton

06/11/2025

📣 Great News from Linenhall Hearing Care! 👂✨

We’re delighted to announce our new clinic location in Newcastle, Co. Down, now based within Armstrong Opticians!

If you need a hearing test, hearing aid support, microsuction ear wax removal or friendly expert advice, we’re here and ready to help.

📞 Call us: 028 7772 5536
💻 Book online: www.linenhallhearingcare.com

We look forward to seeing you in our new Newcastle location! 🏡💙

21/10/2025

Congratulations 🥳 so well deserved Gabriel Bell and Staff…. from us all at EDA Media 💫

20/10/2025

Congratulation Killyleagh!

We’re thrilled to announce that Killyleagh has been named Runner-Up in the Best Kept Large Village category at the 2025 Best Kept Awards!

This recognition celebrates the incredible care, creativity, and community spirit that makes our village shine. The judges were especially impressed by:

-The warm welcome and friendliness of our residents
-The beautiful planting and signage at the approach roads
-The immaculate paintwork and charm reminiscent of coastal villages in mainland Europe

Killyleagh has an army of volunteers, young and old, who maintain our village and keep it looking it's absolute best. This award is a pat on the back for them, as well as the residents who take pride and do their bit to keep Killyleagh beautiful, vibrant and welcoming.

Well done and congratulations to you all!!

15/10/2025

Well done Year 9’s 👏 winning the Math-a-thon 🎉 at Blackwater Integrated College

⭐️ What a Great achievement ⭐️