Results & Achievements

A LEVEL RESULTS SHOW POST PANDEMIC IMPROVEMENT

122 students at Campbell College opened their A-Level results today (Thursday 17th August) as 2023 exam results across the UK are compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  The College was delighted that, in comparison to 2019, the 2023 results show improvement across all grades.

36.6% of students in 2023 received A*/A in comparison to 28% in 2019.

88.4% of students received A*-C grades in 2023 compared to 84% in 2019 

Whilst the College celebrates the overall performance of the cohort; the individual stories of success are equally important. Celebrating those boys who have achieved top grades but also recognising those students who have exceeded expectations.  

Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson, M.B.E was happy with the performance, “It is great to reflect on results based on comparisons to pre-pandemic figures and provides a sense of returning to normality. Our focus is, however, always on the individual stories of our pupils; seeking to make sure they are each reaching their potential.  Whilst we had 18 students achieve a full house of A*/A’s and BTEC Distinctions, we are equally delighted for those who achieved beyond their expectations. Our teaching staff must be thanked for their continued commitment to this goal of realising individual potential and we wish all the students the best of luck in whatever direction they are headed”

CAMPBELL CELEBRATES STRONG RESULTS AT GCSE

The 2023 GCSE examinations results for 163 pupils of Campbell College revealed a very strong set of outcomes.  67% of grades awarded were from A* to B; The top grades of A*- A were achieved in 37% of results and 95% of grades were A*-C. These results are the strongest on record for the College excluding the pandemic years.

Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson MBE, was delighted for the pupils after what has been an extremely challenging few years. “Whilst the years of disruption are fading in memory, the residual effect of the pandemic still lingers. These results are a testament to the pupils’ resilience in the face of difficulty and disruption, and to their mature engagement in learning. Secondly, the achievements reflect staff dedication and expertise. Teachers did their utmost during and since the pandemic to ensure our pupils had the best learning experience online and in the classroom.  The expectation throughout the country is that a falling back from the highs of the Centre Assessed Grades or Centre Determined Grades in pandemic years would occur. This did not happen at Campbell, in fact, 2023 results, with a significantly larger cohort, produced results higher than pre-pandemic levels and not below the fully adjusted grades. I would like to thank the various examination boards for their support and guidance throughout this extraordinary time in education and in particular state how we are indebted to CCEA. Our encouragement of the boys is that they should each do their very best and I am really pleased to see how that has worked for a very academically strong cohort of students”

YEAR 14 RESULTS REFLECT PUPIL RESILIENCE

125 Year 14 pupils at Campbell College opened their A Level and BTEC results today (Thursday 18th August) in what marks the first external examination results since August 2019. Representing the largest number of pupils to sit A Levels/BTECs in the history of the College, this cohort have also delivered the strongest results in external examinations for the College in more than a decade. 26 boys (21%) of the 125 gained a full set of A*/A grades. Overall, 89% of pupils achieved A*-C grade compared to 84% in 2019. 

Recognising the achievement of the whole year group Headmaster, Robert Robinson, MBE, commented, 

“This Year 14 cohort have had the toughest of journeys and whilst we welcome back the rigour of examinations, we should not forget that most of these A-Level students have not sat external exams since their AQE/PPTC transfer tests.  We have to emphasise that their resilience has been a credit to them, and we are delighted with their achievements. Regardless of what grades they have been awarded or what university they progress to they enter the world stronger; more robust; ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. We wish them well and thank them for their positivity and encouragement to us in the face of adversity during these past two years.” 

Campbell Records Record Results at GCSE

As schools across the UK welcomed the return of external GCSE assessments, 147 pupils at Campbell College Belfast opened their envelopes today (Thursday 25th August) to reveal the strongest set of GCSE results ever recorded for the College.

70% of grades awarded were from A* to B, reflecting the highest on record. The top grades of  A*- A were achieved in 39% of results, which matched the figures for 2021 and 2020 when grades were generated through Centre Assessed Grades and Centre Determined Grades respectively. This also is the highest on record for the College.

Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson MBE, was delighted for the pupils after what has been an extremely challenging few years. “These results are a testament to the pupils’ hard work and resilience in the face of difficulty and disruption. They also reflect the dedication and expertise of our staff who did their utmost during the last three years to ensure our pupils had the best learning experience online and in the classroom.  We understood that returning to formal examinations was going to be a nerve-wracking time for many; we are delighted that the boys have achieved such superb results. In addition, I would like to thank the various examination boards for their support and guidance throughout this extraordinary time in education. In particular we are indebted to CCEA.”

There were many individual successes, and congratulations also go to the 9 pupils who achieved a straight set of A*/A grades: Ger Gaskin, George Kane, James McConnell, Luther McIlveen, Alex Meyer, Dylan Nixon, Charlie Pugh, Mitchell Riley and Niall Slack.

Making the Grade

The last 18 months have been the most difficult I have experienced in my 30+ years working in education.  The fact that our students are receiving AS and A2 Level results today (Tuesday 10^th August) is an achievement in itself and one which shows determination and resilience.

If we consider together that this cohort of students had to learn remotely for six months of their time during the last 2 years, we can recognise that every student getting results today should be congratulated.

Throughout this pandemic, our College community - staff, students and parents – have worked together to deliver a positive online learning experience whilst trying to remain connected through virtual experiences whenever possible. We made the best use of our time together in College, when we had it, and we did our utmost to prepare these young men for the next stage in their lives.

As educators our drive throughout was to ensure our students gained the range of knowledge and depth of understanding in their subjects to set strong foundations for their next stage in education or employment. Alongside this, it was imperative for us to support those who found Lock-down and remote learning difficult.  We would agree it was a challenge to stay motivated, focused and set our minds on a long-term goal. The balance of both these needs was vital as we navigated our way through these unchartered waters.

The results today are a true and fair reflection of each student’s individual ability and hard work. Everyone should be proud of what they have accomplished. I thank the boys for their commitment and parents for the strong partnership we have experienced with them over this difficult time. I particularly want to thank my staff for their professionalism and for rising to the challenges this time has presented, not least the additional requirement to deliver Centre Determined Grades and the additional burden the restrictions put upon staff for the organisation of classrooms, corridors, dining spaces.

As the dust settles, the debate will ensue as to how we assess pupils in the future, but that discussion is for another time. Today I simply wish to say, ‘well done – you made the grade’ and we are proud of each and every one of you. All of us here, staff and governors wish you all every success in the future – whatever it may hold.

Mr Robert Robinson M.B.E

Headmaster

Highlights.

• Boarding student is top performer: The College is delighted that our boarding family has performed well this year despite the challenges that remote learning created for those living in lock down in various time zones.  Well done in particular to Christoph Pirker who was a top performer in the College as he achieved 3 A*’s in German, Mathematics, Physics and an A in Business Studies and is set for Edinburgh to read Engineering.
• Head Prefect success:  Following a year supporting the College in many ways, Head Prefect George Robinson has achieved his 3 A* grades in Politics, German and Mathematics and is heading to the University of Warwick to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
• Well done also to Ben Coulter who achieved 3 A*’s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, and is heading to Queen’s University Belfast to read Medicine.
• Adding value: A particular mention must be made of the Beattie brothers (two of a set of triplets) whose performance at A Level should act as a reminder that young people and particularly boys develop educationally at different rates. Both brothers joined Campbell in Year 8 from Ballyholme Primary school with lower than expected AQE scores but leave with an impressive clatter of A’s.

·        Cameron Beattie - A* in Mathematics, A in Business Studies and A in Physics   

·        Conor Beattie – A in Biology, A Chemistry and B Geography

• BTEC success:  Campbell provides a broad range of subject choices at 6^th Form with 24 A Levels subjects but also 4 BTEC subjects on offer and we were delighted to celebrate success in the BTEC arena with 3 boys achieving a straight run of Distinction/Distinction* grades.

14 students had a full run of A/A* grades

• 3A*, 1A

-        Christoph Pirker

• 3A*

·        Ben Coulter

·        George Robinson

• 2A*,2A

·        Aaron Cochrane

• 2A*, 1A

·        Finlay Stafford

• 1A* 2A

·        Cameron Beattie

·        Charlie Hart

·        Ollie Hopkinson

·        Connor McCauley

• 3A’s

·        Daniel Holmes

·        Daniel Matchett-Griffiths

·        Josh Moore

·        Tom O’Haire

·        Finlay Parks

3 pupils had a full run of Distinction/Distinction* BTEC grades

·        Danny Williamson – 3 Distinction*

·        Daniel Leeb – 1 Distinction* and 2 Distinction

·        Alex Watt - 1 Distinction* and 2 Distinction

 

 

Over 160 Year 12 pupils at Campbell College opened their GCSE results today (Thursday 12th August) after what has been a very unusual two years of study. Despite the challenge, 14 students had a complete run of A*/A grades. Overall the College was delighted with 39% of all grades being A*/A, very much on par with last year. 

Particular mention to the following boys for their stellar results; Thomas Worthington who celebrated 10 A*s, Ryan Carson, William Dugan, Matthew Edwards, Cameron Faith, Robert Horner, Fergus McKee, Jeremy McMullan, Sean Morrice, Aaron Pollock and Brennan Vavra who all achieved 10 A*/A equivalent grades, Flynn Longstaff and Lawson Adams who received 9 A*/As; and Michael Cheung who achieved 8 A*/A grades.

Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson, MBE commented, “Regardless of how results are interpreted this year, each of our boys deserve congratulations for their own personal achievements and goals. I thank the boys for their hard work and commitment during a challenging two years of study and congratulate all students on their academic success.”

Over 190 Campbell College pupils received their AS and A2 Level results today (Thursday 13^th August 2020) in what has been an unprecedented year. 

The COVID pandemic closed all schools in March and as a result no examinations were taken. Instead, grades have been awarded by the examination boards, calculated using a modelling process and a combination of several sources of data including; a centre assessed grade (the grade submitted by Campbell College), past performance in GCSE and AS levels and wider data on examination trends held by the examination boards.

Congratulation to eight pupils who achieved straight A*/A grades; Leon Ao, Henry Auchmuty, Joe Curran, Harry Dunlop, Kelan Gray, Reuben McCausland, Oliver Smyth and particular congratulations to Ross Taylor who was awarded 4 A*’s. 

In reaction to the unusual circumstances, the College has written an open letter to their Year 14 Leavers on behalf of all the staff, teaching and support staff.

A LETTER TO OUR LEAVERS

Dear Year 14 Leaver,

As you contemplate this year’s A Level results, it is most likely with very mixed emotions. This has been a year like no other in history and one that we can only hope will never be repeated.

Rather than focus attention solely on the individuals who have received the top A */A grades - of whom we are immensely proud - we wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to each and every one of you to offer congratulations. Congratulations for the way you have all faced the challenges presented to you over the last 5 months.

When we closed our doors in March we did not know it would be the last time we would be together, we did not know that it would be our goodbye. Looking back, it is hard to believe all that has happened since.

Some of you started your journey with us 14 years ago in Junior School, most of you joined us in Year 8 and others became part of our community more recently. You have come to us from all over the world and you have brought with you a collective sense of dedication, enthusiasm and passion that we have been privileged to witness. You have delivered moments of sheer joy, along with a few (very few) moments of consternation! You have been part of history as we celebrated 125 years of the College and you have left us with fond memories as we have watched you grow from boys to men. 

We started the year with our 125th Anniversary celebrations, where your newly appointed Senior Prefect Team, our Pipe Band and our Hospitality pupils jumped in to help out.  We all remarked at that point upon what a great year it was going to be as we watched you start your final year.   We talked with you excitedly about all the traditions you were looking forward to, as is the rite of passage for Campbell College final year pupils; the Leavers Ball, the Leavers BBQ, Speech Day and finally - Results Day. 

These moments have been cruelly taken from you and yet your commitment to the College has never been more apparent, nor more appreciated, than in the last five months.  Knowing exams would not happen you could have switched off, you could have tuned out.

But you didn’t.  In fact, you did the opposite. 

You stayed connected, whether it was taking part in our online university preparation courses, Piping in your front gardens for the NHS, joining our zoom classes, supporting our incoming Year 8 boys or speaking at our Virtual Speech Day - you have all shown true character as ‘inspiring individuals.’

You have worked hard and contributed so much to this College and we are immensely proud of all of you.  As you start your next chapter as an Old Campbellian, we remind you of your school motto, “Ne Obliviscaris’ - do not forget.  We will never forget you - our 2020 Leavers - for all that you have contributed during a period in Campbell College history that will never be forgotten.

Regardless of what grades you receive today, hold your heads high and go forward into life as men of character who have, and will continue to, contribute to the world around them. Following in the footsteps of those that have gone before.

And remember, your success in life will not be defined by a grade but by your actions from this day forward.

With best wishes from all the staff at Campbell College

 

 

Over 156 Year 12 pupils at Campbell College opened their GCSE results today (Thursday 20th August) after a rollercoaster week of announcements and changes.

It has been a difficult time for this year group in particular and we are extremely impressed with the way they have dealt with the uncertainty following the cancellation of public examinations. For some the cancellation of exams will have been welcomed with open arms, for others they were gearing up towards exams with an increasing momentum. We would like to congratulate all students on their academic success and for their hard work over the last two years.

Particular mention to the following boys for their stellar results; Patrick Kenny who celebrated 10 A*’s and 1 A, Tom Dunlop and Ollie Webb who received 10 A*’s; and Henry Hempstead, Oskar Shorthose, Tom Crowther, Christian Pollock, James Mounstephen, Jonathan McKane, Finn Roberts, Con Hinds and Jack Maguire who all achieved 10 A*/A equivalent grades.

As with every sector, teaching has had to reinvent itself over the last 5 months. Whilst we were fortunate at Campbell to have an online learning environment already well established, we have been impressed with the adaptability of both pupils and staff, who adjusted rapidly to our distant learning offering. We would like to pay tribute to the teaching staff at Campbell who have used their professionalism, integrity and deep knowledge of each and every pupil to weigh up their realistic potential. To create predicted grades has been the single most difficult task they have ever faced.

Finally, we want to thank our parents for their continued partnership. This partnership has enabled a truly collective approach as we have jointly supported the boys through this difficult time. This partnership approach should never be underestimated, and we can assure you that we never take it for granted. Today is another day when we will work together to support the boys and look towards the next step in their educational journey. We move forward as parent, teacher and pupil and will be sure that whatever comes we face it together.

From everyone at Campbell, we say thank-you to all the parents and guardians, for supporting your charge and for supporting our teachers as we work together to carry the boys through and lift them up, ready and prepared to face the next chapter.

CAMPBELL COLLEGE CELEBRATES BEST RESULTS IN OVER A DECADE

Campbell College Belfast today (Thursday 15^th August) celebrated their best A Level results in fifteen years with 66% of students achieving three or more A*-C grades.  84% of all grades awarded were at A*-C level and 28% of all grades achieved were an A*/A grade. The College demonstrated particularly strong performances in Mathematics, Languages,  Music,  Art,  Moving Image Arts and Religious Studies - all of which showed 100% of students achieving A* - C.  In addition, BTec Sport and BTec Hospitality students performed well with 100% of students achieving A*-C equivalent.

Campbell is home to over 150 boarding students from 30 different countries and this international cohort were top of the class with boarder Leon Gurtler achieving 4A*/A grades    (A * in Computer Studies, Mathematics and German and an A in Business Studies). Leon hails from Germany and will now be heading to University in Singapore.  Leon was joined by fellow boarders Jeremy Ho and Leo Lou who each received 3A*/A’s and 1B and Head Prefect and boarder, Rex Tinsley, who secured 3A’s in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

Mr Bert Robinson, Head of Boarding commented, “It is fantastic to witness how Campbell has played an important part in the education journey of these international students. To see a German student come to study in Belfast and two years later be heading to study in Singapore demonstrates how Campbell and Northern Ireland can provide an important stepping stone towards an international future.”

As a school that selects only 70% of Year 8 pupils on academic criteria, Campbell prides itself on adding value to individuals from a broad range of starting points. One example is Max McDermott who joined Campbell from Strandtown Primary School with an AQE/Transfer score of 54 and today opened his envelope to reveal 3 A*/ A’s in Business Studies, Digital Technology and BTec Sport. 

Headmaster Mr Robert Robinson, MBE, commented, “Max is a superb example of the fact that each student is different and travels at a different rate on their educational journey. When we measure success at Campbell, we look at how an individual has improved during their time with us. Whilst we are delighted with our overall results we take more joy in all the individual stories of success, whatever they may be.”

Also to be congratulated for superb performances are; Tim Devlin with 3A*/A Grades in Chemistry, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and a B in History; John Gildea with 3 A*/A grades in French, German and History; Harry Owens who achieved 3A*/A’s in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics; and Toby Hopkinson who achieved 3A’s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and a B in Further Mathematics.

In terms of next steps, 40% of university offers achieved so far are for places at Russell Group institutions, Head of Careers, Mrs Sarah Coetzee stated, “We are delighted that so many of our students have been successful in achieving  their first choice. Whilst STEM courses remain popular representing 33% of courses secured thus far, there is an increased emphasis in 2019 on language and international politics courses.“

CAMPBELL COLLEGE ADDS VALUE FOR GCSE PUPILS

138 pupils opened their GCSE results at Campbell College in East Belfast today (Thursday 22^nd August) to reveal 83 % achieving 5 or more A*-C equivalent grades including English and Mathematics and 91% achieving 5 or more A* - C grades overall.    The strongest performing subjects with 100% A*-C grades were Art, Music, Further Mathematics, Religious Studies, Spanish and Chinese.

Congratulations in particular to George Robinson, Finlay Stafford, Josh Moore, Ben Coulter and Conor McCauley who all achieved 11 A* /A equivalent grades. George and Ben both share a passion for music and having had the opportunity to play with past pupil and Snow Patrol front man, Gary Lightbody, at the College’s recent speech day - they were both delighted in particular with their A* in Music.

Congratulations to the following for strong individual performances; Aaron Cochrane, Ollie Hopkinson and Daniel Matchett-Griffiths who all celebrated 9 A*/A’s; Charlie Hart, Michael Canning and Christoph Pirker (8 A*/A’s); and Finlay Parks (7 A*/A’s).

Further congratulations to the following students who are a testament to the added value that Campbell delivers to its pupils. Michael Shaw and Matas Jarutis with 9 A*/A’s and Cameron Beattie with 8 A*/A’s.  Each of these pupils joined Campbell with an AQE score well below 100 and today celebrated these very successful sets of results. Additional praise must go to Matas for whom English is his second language, hailing from Lithuania.

Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson, MBE commented, “Congratulations to all these individuals for their strong performances. Hard work from parents, teachers and pupils combine to deliver results such as these.  With only 70% of our Year 8 pupils joining via academic selection, we are especially thrilled to see success being enjoyed by those pupils who may not have been deemed to be so successful at the age of 11.”

“DIVERSITY IS KEY FOR FUTURE PROOFING OUR STUDENTS”

- A-Level Students hit the high note as Music, Language and Art come out top -

“The landscape of education is shifting as we adapt to prepare students for a rapidly changing workplace.   In recent years Campbell College has broadened its curriculum provision for 6th Form in recognition of these changes.  Supporting diversity is key to future proofing our students. We must prepare them for many different pathways - not just the traditional ones.” Robert Robinson, MBE, Headmaster of Campbell College Belfast.

Today (Thursday 16^th August, 2018) 108 students at Campbell College opened their A-Level results to reveal a picture that reflects this drive for diversity.  Creativity and languages emerged as top performers with 100% of entrants achieving A* grade in Art and 100% A*-C performance in French, German, Music and Moving Image.  In addition, with the increased recognition of the BTEC qualification by Russell Group institutions, 25% of students at Campbell College opted to sit one or more BTEC subjects alongside A Levels, with half of these pupils achieving the top grade - a starred Distinction (D*).

Mr Robinson continues, ’Three things are notable in our results this year.  Firstly, the strong performance in languages, arts and music demonstrates the power of an all-boys educational environment to encourage and nurture creativity.  Secondly,  the shift towards BTEC and the recognition of this qualification by leading universities has justified our increased provision in this area. It is important that, as a College which encourages diversity, we offer a broad curriculum.  Finally, we are delighted that those students who joined us in 6^th Form have performed very strongly - turning around their academic performance in a short period of time – a reflection of our teaching and what it can deliver. Congratulations to all pupils, parents and staff for the team effort and we wish all our leavers the very best as they progress on many different paths.”

Congratulations to the following students who achieved 3 A*/A’s; Head Prefect John Harrison (Chemistry, Mathematics and History), Michael Sullivan achieved 3 A*/A’s in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, Rory Dennis (Biology, Chemistry and German), Adam Catherall (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Mathew Kane (Chemistry, German and Mathematics).

BTEC performance was particularly strong and congratulations to Adam Manley who achieved top marks with 2 starred Distinctions (D*) and 1 Distinction (D). Oisin Kiernan celebrated 2 starred Distinctions (D*) whilst Ben McClurg, Paul McConnell, Euan Bailie, Ben Bishop, Mathew Carlisle, Josh Irwin, Jack Preston, Benjamin Yau, Jack Thompson and Jared Duval all received 1 starred Distinction (D*).

Congratulations also to two students who have chosen different paths; Gary Hunt has successfully secured his place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music and Ben McClurg who will take up a tennis scholarship in the US.

The individual pathways chosen by the 2018 cohort include Medicine, Biological Science, Music, Sports Science, Business, Film and more. As Head of Careers, Mrs Sarah Coetzee comments, ‘The world of careers is changing rapidly and schools have to keep pace,  recognising the diversity of pathways our students are now considering. Creating the right pathways for their individual strengths is key to ensuring that they leave school heading in a direction that is right for them.”

144 pupils opened their GCSE results at Campbell College today (23rd August 2018) to reveal a continued strength for STEM subjects with 100% of pupils achieving A*-B grade in Further Mathematics and 92% gaining an A*-C grade in Mathematics. Physics delivered 89% A*-C grades, whilst Biology and Chemistry showed 85% and 87% A* - C grades respectively.  As with A Level,  diversity was again apparent with arts and languages delivering strong performances. Art and Drama pupils delivered 100% A*-C grades, whilst  English, Spanish and German pupils achieved 93%, 92% and 88% A*-C grades, respectively.  Music and History achieved 88% and 86% A*-C.

Congratulations to a number of individuals for their strong performance. Four pupils achieved a clean sheet of A*/A grades; Ross Taylor celebrated 11 A*’s, Joe Curran gained 10A*’s and 1 A, Henry Auchmuty gained 9 A*’s and 1 A and Edward Johnston received  8*A*’s and 3 A’s.

Commenting on the achievement Headmaster, Mr Robert Robsinon, MBE,  stated, “ I am delighted to see Mathematics and Science delivering strong results and it is important to note the  strength in our languages and arts.  The breadth of performance demonstrates the value of an all boys educational environment  - where boys are encouraged across a wide range of subjects.  Congratulations to all our pupils, staff and indeed the parents for all their hard work.”

VIEW 2018 RESULTS 

View 2017 Results 

View 2016 Results