DAME Mary Peters was in town recently to help Strabane Grammar School celebrate the most successful year in its history.

Prior to Mrs Peters presenting the awards, principal Lewis Lacey referred to the academic performance of pupils, as well as the sporting and extra-curricular successes acheived over the past 12 months.

Commenting on this year's examination results, Mr Lacey said: "it was an outstanding year for examination results. At A2 Level there was a 100 percent pass rate and 85 percent of the grades achieved were in the A to C category. The percentage of pupils who gained three or more A – C Grades rose again to 72 percent, well above the Grammar School average with nine pupils achieving straight A grades, including Emma Adams, Naomi Devine, Amanda Fulton, Andrew Lynch, David Quinn, Tracey Reid, Kathryn Sayers, Judith Sayers and Jessica Wauchope."

Moving on to GCSE, he pointed to: "A 98 percent pass rate, remarkably 47 percent of grades were in the A*/A category. These results placed us seventh in Northern Ireland in various league tables for our combined A level and GCSE performance.

"From a subject point of view at GCSE there was 100 percent pass rate in 11 out of 19 subjects. The effect was that almost all of our Year 12 returned to the Sixth Form and meant we are oversubscribed in every year group with applications from parents who want their children to attend this school. Regardless of league tables all the pupils who did their best, whatever the outcome, deserve praise. This level of achievement, year on year, reflects the dedication and expertise of staff as well as the good relationships between staff, pupils and parents," he said.

The principal moved on to welcome new members of staff and paid tribute to those who parted company with the school.

With regard to extra-curricular activities, Mr Lacey highlighted the efforts of those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, particulary those who recently participated in an expedition to Kenya.

He also commended the rugby, hockey, cricket and football teams and individual sporting successes.

"Congratulations to Aaron Crawford and Sean McBride who represented Ulster in athletics and in karate, Stephanie Gallagher was selected to represent Northern Ireland at the World Championships and gained third place," he said.

There was also high praise for a number of drama and musical performances put on over the past school year, before Dame Mary Peters was invited to present the prizes and trophies before addressing the winners, their parents and staff.