Twenty-two Year 13 pupils participated in the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition. This Practical Challenge is aimed at students in their first year of study of the A-level Chemistry course and provides an opportunity for developing teamwork and problem-solving skills, in addition to demonstrating chemistry knowledge linking to curricular content. Each year, the challenge is set in a different context. This year, the students had to take on the role of analytical scientists, analysing soil from an old industrial site to see if the site would be suitable for building houses on. They had to test and determine the concentration of a known pollutant, analyse using chromatography a dye located in the soil, and carry out more familiar tests to ascertain the metal cations and non-metal anions present in the soil. The winning team consisted of Christopher Cardwell, Rebekah McBride and Nasi Yordanov. Congratulations, not only did they achieve the highest mark in Dalriada out of the seven teams taking part, but they were also the highest in Northern Ireland, making them the Regional Winners. Each team member received a £50 gift card.

On Thursday 22nd January 2026 a team of four pupils – Lana Blair (year 10), Andrew Burns (year 10), Darsh Girisankar (year 11) and Shauna Wu (year 12) – travelled to Queens' University to participate in the regional finals of the prestigious RSC 'Top of the Bench' Competition. Following an introductory welcome, and a Health & Safety briefing the team got down to work. They completed a practical challenge in the laboratory where they investigated the electrochemical series and managed to produce electricity from some salt water and various metals – just a little of the magic possible when you know how to perform chemical reactions! Following this, they completed a test paper demanding in-depth knowledge of safety, the chemical elements, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and energy changes, before finally competing in a stretching quiz round to conclude the competition. The team gave a great performance and were excellent ambassadors for the school. They also had lots of fun and were stunned when they were crowned as NI Regional Winners, especially given that most of the questions on the test were related to topics they have not yet studied in their chemistry course. Congratulations to the team who were so ably captained by Shauna; well done, from a proud Chemistry Department! Thanks to RSC NI Local section and staff at QUB for organising and hosting the competition.

Dalriada School is delighted to celebrate another year of excellent A Level results, with our students achieving highly across the curriculum. The hard work and ambition shown by our pupils have led to outstanding results, marking clear improvement from last year’s strong performance with 79% of all entries achieved grades A* to B, and 95% of all entries achieved A* to C grades. Furthermore, an impressive 13 subjects attained a 100% A* to C pass rate. At A Level, a number of individuals achieved outstanding results with Laura Dysart and Adam Obrycki achieving 4A*s. Wojtek Pydyn achieved 3A*s and 1 A, Grace Kennedy achieved 4 A grades, Ethan Battersby, James Green, Rebekah McBride, and Nasi Yordanov all achieved 3 A* grades, and David McClean achieved 2A*s and 1 A Grade. Other individual successes achieving at least 3 A grades include Molly Bellingham, Erin Bennett, Ben Cameron, Isla Donald-Magill, Harry Dunn, Hannah Gaile, Sam Irwin, David McClean, Ellen McFetridge, Harry Ramage, Sophie Shaw, Henry Thompson. It was a particularly impressive year for female students, with 94% of girls attaining 3 or more A* to C grades, an increase from 82% last year. Overall, 90% of all pupils achieved 3 or more A* to C grades, a substantial rise from the 81% recorded in the previous year. This exceptional milestone represents the school’s best results for an A2 cohort since 2020, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects both their exceptional ability and the dedication of their teachers. Mrs Louise Aitcheson, the Principal, expressed immense pride in the pupils’ accomplishments, saying, “I am incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements in their A Levels and all that they have achieved at Dalriada School. These results are a reflection of their wholehearted commitment and determination to excel. They have worked exceptionally hard and I am delighted to see that effort rewarded. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose expertise, constant encouragement and unwavering support have guided our pupils throughout their studies. The close partnership between our pupils, staff and families is at the heart of our school’s success, and today’s results are a proud moment of celebration for the entire Dalriada community. As our leavers take their next steps – whether progressing to university, beginning apprenticeships or entering the workplace, I wish them every success and happiness for the future. Remember that once a Dalriad, always a Dalriad; may they continue to flourish and grow wherever their journey takes them”.

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In April, 2026, our school production of Anastasia, The Musical received 5 Nominations in the AIMS School Mentoring Constructive Appraisal Awards Scheme. Professional mentors from this scheme attended and reviewed 30 shows across the 32 counties of Ireland between September and April. Receiving 5 nominations was simply incredible, and the excitement in school was palpable. The Nominations were as follows: Best Actor/Actress- Dan McLean Best Singer- Rihanna McGraw Best Musical Direction- Mrs Montgomery Best Director- Miss Brown Best Overall Show- all involved! The overall results were published in May, live via YouTube, and we are absolutely DELIGHTED to tell you that we received two Awards in total: Best Singer- Rihanna McGraw Best Direction- Miss Brown We are so incredibly proud of these achievements and wish to wholeheartedly congratulate Rihanna, in particular, for a most-deserved win. The AIMS committee members stated that “anyone who received a nomination or an award are all worthy winners.” Certificates of Excellence were posted to the school for all nominees, along with two trophies for the Award winners.

Results will be available in the Tom Skelton Hall from 9.00am to 10.00am.   Following this, results will be available from the Front Office.   Careers Teachers will be available in B5 from 9.00am – Year 12 pupils have been provided with a scheduled appointment time.   Mr Devlin will be available in the Tom Skelton Hall to speak to Year 11 pupils.   Mrs Aitcheson, Mrs Williamson, Ms Crawford and Dr Walker will be available for appointments with pupils and parents from 10.30am (this may apply to prospective new pupils or pupils who are not returning to Dalriada School).   There will be a photograph for top GCSE Performers at 12.00pm at the front of the school.   If you would like to be entered for a re-sit, or require a re-mark or access to a script, please complete the Google Form sent via Parentmail.   Good luck to all of you receiving your GCSE results. You’ve worked so hard and should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved!

Dalriada School is proud to celebrate another year of excellent A Level results, with our students achieving highly in a wide range of subjects. The commitment, resilience and ambition shown by our pupils have resulted in outstanding results, marking clear improvement from last year’s strong performance with 74% of all entries achieved grades A* to B, and 92% of all entries achieved A* to C grades. At A Level, a number of individuals achieved outstanding results with Oliwia Oczeretko achieving 2 A*, 2 A and 1 B grades, while Mark Kennedy achieved 4A*s. Emily Sayers achieved 3A*s and 1 A, Muireann Paul achieved 1A* and 3As and Tom McCotter achieved 4 As. Alex Campbell, Lydia Glenny, and Rebecca Ross all attained 3 A* grades, while Sam Cochrane, Faye Dempsey, Angus Graham, Elijah Mullan, Adam O’Neill, Izzi Pollock-Quinn and Shannon Shiels all attained 2 A* grades and 1 A. Other individual successes achieving at least 3 A grades include Eden Adair, Niamh Brooking, Erin Fisher, Noah Kelly, Rebecca McClean, Tara O’Brien, Anna Shiels, Rebecca Thompson, Yana Walls, Lauren Bond, Chloe Boyle, Poppy Hunter, Kiera McAfee, Holly McComb, Olivia Ogle and Ryan Strong. 31 pupils in total achieved at least 3 A grade at A Level, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects both their exceptional talent and the dedication of their teachers. Mrs Louise Aitcheson, the Principal, expressed immense pride in the pupils’ accomplishments, saying, “I am incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements and all that they have achieved in this year’s A Level examinations. These results are a testament to their commitment and willingness to give of their best. They have worked exceptionally hard and I am delighted to see that effort rewarded. I also want to express my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, whose skill, encouragement and unwavering support have guided our pupils throughout their studies. The partnership between pupils, staff and families is at the heart of our success, and today’s results are something the entire Dalriada community can celebrate. As our leavers take their next steps – whether to university, apprenticeships or the workplace, I wish them every success for the future. Once a Dalriad, always a Dalriad; may they continue to dare to shine wherever life takes them”.