Changes to GCSE Maths – BBC interview the Maths Department
The following article was written by Robbie Meredith Education and arts correspondent, BBC News NI.
There have been calls to pause changes to GCSE Maths which will lead to many exams taken in November each year being scrapped.
From 2027, students will only be able to take their exam in November if they are re-sitting the subject.
One head of maths in a County Tyrone school said that was “pulling the rug out from under pupils who need those structured manageable steps to succeed”.
But the Department of Education (DE) said that schools had been given “sufficient notice to plan for the revised arrangements”.
What is changing about GCSE Maths exams in Northern Ireland?
In some schools, pupils take their Maths GCSE exams in stages throughout the course, using a staggered approach.
For example, at Dean Maguirc College in County Tyrone pupils sit some exams in November and summer of year 11.
That gives them a GCSE grade which they can increase by sitting more maths exams in year 12.
But from 2027, they will not be able to do that anymore as the November exams will only be for students who have finished their GCSE Maths course and want to re-sit the subject.
The decision has been taken by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) exam board and DE.
What do GCSE Maths students think of the change?
A female pupil in a school uniform stands in the centre of a brightly lit classroom, facing the camera. The classroom contains desks and chairs, colourful educational displays on the walls, a door leading outside in the background. The student has long hair tied back and is wearing a blazer, shirt, tie and green jumper.
Image caption,
Spacing out exams allows for extra revision, Maeve says
At Dean Maguirc College, an all-ability school, 15-year-old Maeve said maths was a vital subject to learn.
“It’s to do with everyday life and you need it for loads of stuff like money and most jobs,” she said.
She said that being able to sit some of her maths exams in November gave her more time to revise for her other GCSEs in the summer.
“They’re not all crammed together,” she said.
“For maths, like, there’s a lot of stuff to learn so when you have the one exam to do in November you can learn all of that for November, you don’t have to keep looking over it until summertime.”
Maeve said that, in her opinion, the decision was “not fair”.
Fifteen-year-old Cara is also currently studying maths for GCSE at Dean Maguirc College and she also has concerns.
“Getting half of your exam done with in November I found it really eased the pressure,” she said.
“And it allowed me to focus half of my subject into June.”
As she had achieved a C-star grade by the end of year 11, she is hoping to make her grade higher by sitting more maths GCSE exams in year 12.
She said that being able to divide the maths exams up and take them in stages benefitted everyone and is worried about the impact of the changes.
“I think it’s unfair and gives less of an opportunity for the people upcoming,” she said.
“Nearly for every single career you need maths and you need GCSE Maths.”
Liam, 17, says it feels like the exam board are “pulling down a ladder that helped students”
Seventeen-year-old Liam is now studying A-levels at Dean Maguirc College but said that being able to take GCSE Maths on a “staggered” basis had helped him get a B grade.
“I did struggle at maths when I was younger,” he said.
“It feels like CCEA are pulling down a ladder that helped students like me climb higher, because not all students are able to do it in one go and instead have to do it step by step.
“So they can gradually reach their full potential.”
‘I would ask CCEA to pause and consult’
Máire McGinn is head of maths at Dean Maguirc College and had previously served on Northern Ireland’s literacy and numeracy task force.
“Maths is everywhere and it underpins everything that a pupil is going to need to get through their future life,” she said.
“For about the last seven years we have had a carefully structured, staggered approach to the study of maths.”
Máire McGinn says a staggered approach to maths exams has worked for students
The “staggered” approach has worked for students at college, as the proportion of their students achieving grades A* to C at maths is well above the Northern Ireland average for non-grammar schools.
“It provides manageable milestones for pupils, structuring it like that,” McGinn said.
She said CCEA was “pulling the rug out from under pupils who need those structured manageable steps to succeed”.
Many other maths teachers across Northern Ireland also felt that “this policy change is not in our pupils best interests”, she added.
“I would ask CCEA to pause what they have suggested is going to happen and consult with teachers.”
What has the Department of Education said?
A DE spokesperson said: “The decision to change the November CCEA GCSE Mathematics examination series to a resit-only series from 2027 was an operational decision taken by CCEA.
“CCEA has advised the department that the decision followed consideration of a range of educational factors, including the impact of assessment arrangements on pupils’ learning and on teaching time in schools.
“CCEA’s Maths GCSE will continue to be a modular qualification with pupils able to sit modules at the end of Year 11 as well as the end of Year 12.
“The November series will remain available for pupils who have completed the qualification and wish to improve their grade.”
The changes will apply from 2027, “providing schools with sufficient notice to plan for the revised arrangements”.
Careers Networking Event
DMC Careers Networking Event – October 2026
Sincere thanks to everyone who supported our recent Annual Careers Networking Event. We appreciate each person who attended and engaged with our students. We had 27 past pupils working and/or studying in a broad range of career areas who returned with their respective companies/colleges to advise our Year 12 and Post-16 pupils.
Listed below are the companies/colleges and past pupils who attended our event :
ABAC Accounting – Maebh Warnock –
Accounting Technician HLA
ACS Civils – Rory McElroy, Quantity Surveyor, Eoghan Conway – Civil Engineering HLA
Adman – Niamh Conway – Business Management HLA
Anamore – Mairead Haughey, HSEQ and Resident Relations, Darragh McPhillips, Construction Surveying HLA and Connie Grimes – Business Management HLA
Axon – Niamh Glackin – Mechatronic Engineering HLA
Campbell and Haughey Solicitors – Michael Kerr – Solicitor
Cirdan Ltd – Martin McCrystal and Orla Morris – QUB Software Engineering Student (Placement year)
Errigal Contracts
Foyle Foods
Fox Engineering
Instil – Aine McCaughey – Senior Software Engineer
Keystone Lintels – Cillian Kerr, Thomas Duff – Construction Engineering and Surveying HLAs
Kiverco – Niamh Clarke – MEGA Degree Apprenticeship – Mechanical Engineering
Lagan Energy Engineering – Oisin Rafferty- Mechatronic Engineering HLA
McAleer and Rushe – Dervla Heaney – Architectural Engineering Graduate
NIE
Nugent Engineering – Aidan Og Loughran and Eoin McElduff – Gold Apprenticeship in Engineering
Options Technology – Molly Clarke – Degree Apprenticeship in Computing Systems
Pilgrims Europe – Grace Gallagher – Senior Human Resources Manager
PWC – Tara Curran, Ulster University Degree Apprenticeship – Associate Customer Operations, Evanna Campbell QUB Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
RG Fitness – Ruairi Grimes – Founder and Manager
Todds Leap
NHS – Aoife Morris – Community OT, working in Belfast Trust
Chloe Curran – Ulster University Social Work student
Ulster University
South West College
St Mary’s University College
Queen’s University Belfast
Careers Service
Craft Training
WHSCT
DMC
Senior Prizegiving 2026
We were delighted to welcome members of our Board of Governors, the Principals of our feeder primary schools, and our special guest speaker, Mr Michael Murphy, who joined us for this memorable occasion.
Michael is an English teacher and former HOD in Omagh Academy. He’s a great friend of the Dean, especially of the English department as he’s adjudicated our public speaking competition for over 30 years. An accomplished director of many plays and a proud member of Pomeroy players.
Congratulations to all of our deserving prize recipients on their hard work, dedication, and success. We are incredibly proud of all our leavers and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their journey, whether at university, college, in apprenticeships, or in employment.
Top GCSE Awards
Art & Desig: Grace McCullagh
Creative Arts &
Digital Technologies: Ethan McCrory
BTEC Business Studies: Alexis McCrory
Design & Technology: Karis Lennon
Digital Technology: Amy Farley & Karla McKee
English Language: Jamie Mullan
English Literature: Jamie Mullan & Katie-Rose Donnelly
Essential Skills (Communication) Pawel Wolski
Motor Vehicle Studies: Eoin Mullan
Music: Aoife Kelly
OS (Catering): Anna Gormley & Mia McIntyre
OS (Engineering): Damhan Mullan & Cahir Slean
Performing Skills: Grace McCullagh Katie-Rose Donnelly
Religion: Ellen Grimes
Single Award Science: Pawel Wolski
Double Award Science: Jamie Mullan
Outstanding Achievement at A Level
Amy Ayna A A A
Lily Rose Clarke A* A B
Eoghan Conway A*A B
Michael Gallagher A* A B
Clara Rose Marley A A A
Brona McCloy A* A B
Niamh McElduff A* A B
Ciaran Mc Mahon A* A B
Roisin Munroe A* A B
A Level Awards for individual subjects
Biology: Amy Ayna
BTEC Business:Roisin Munroe
BTEC Construction & the Built Environment: Fionn Begley
Design and Technology: Niamh Mullan
Digital Technology: Niamh Mullan
English Literature: Ava Byrne
Environmental Technology: Clara Rose Marley
Government and Politics: Rioghnach McAleer
Health & Social Care: Ava Byrne
BTEC Cambridge Technicals Diploma in ICT: Brona McCloy
Irish: Ava Byrne
Mathematics: Amy Ayna
Religion :Laura Delaney
BTEC Sport : Niamh McElduff
Well done, Class of 2026. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve in the future.
Student Leadership Team 2026/2027
Student Leadership Team 2026/2027
Congratulations to our newly appointed student leadership team. Good luck to you all in your duties for the coming year.
Head Girl Head Boy
Caoimhe Kerr Ciaran Mc Crystal
Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy
Saorla Loughran Liam Mc Crystal
Senior Prefects
Mary Jo Morris Caolán Mc Garrity
Jane Mc Gurk Frankie Mc Namee
Tatiana Tracey Lorcán Meenagh
Ava Mullin Padraig Loughran
Róise Mc Callan Jamie Loughran
Éilís Loughran Micheál Mc Callan
60th Anniversary Celebrations
60th Anniversary of Dean Maguirc College
Dean Maguirc College, formerly known as Dean Brian McGurk Secondary School opened its doors for the first time on 1st September 1966.
To mark the start of second level education in Carrickmore sixty years ago, a number of events have been planned for the coming year.
• Mass in St. Colmcille’s Church for start of new school year (2026–2027) on Friday 2nd October 2026.
• ‘Carol Service’ in St. Colmcille’s Church on Thursday 17th December 2026, followed by refreshments in school canteen.
• ‘Mass of Thanksgiving’ in St. Colmcille’s Church on Thursday 4th February 2027 with Bishop Michael Router, the Chief Concelebrant.
• ‘Gala Dinner’ in Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran on Friday 5th March 2027.
• ‘The Shadow of a Gunman’ in ‘The Patrician’ on Thursday 15th April 2027.
• ‘Dean Golf Classic’ in Dungannon on Friday 30th April 2027.
Excellent GCSE Results for 2026
Dean Maguirc College celebrates 2026 G.C.S.E. results
There was much excitement and delight when pupils received their G.C.S.E. results at Dean Maguirc College as the grades achieved by the pupils were most impressive indeed. Commenting on the results, the principal, Mr. Warnock said ‘I am delighted with the performance of our pupils who indeed have excelled in this set of examinations. These pupils have worked closely with their teachers during Key Stage 4, resulting in the achievement of their full potential in both the academic and vocational subjects, a feature of our school which caters for all abilities. These pupils have to be applauded for their application and determination and on behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate them on their success today’.
He added ‘I thank the staff for their on–going commitment which has undoubtedly enabled such high achievement for our pupils and I also want to acknowledge the continued support and co–operation of our parents. We look forward to welcoming back so many of the year group for their Post 16 Studies and I wish the remainder of this cohort of pupils the very best as they embark on the next stage of their education at South West College.’
Top achievers were:
Aoife Kelly, Jamie Mullan, Rian Martin, Aaron McElhone, Amy Farley, Karla McKee, Jodie McAlinden, Katie–Rose Donnelly, Eimer Dobbs, Sarah Anya, Ellen Grimes, Aine Mullin, Marcus Conway, Patrick Haughey, Owen Kelly, Katie Marley, Aoibheann McNamee, Chloe Conway, Hannah Ward, Alexis McCrory, Michael O’Gara, Dannin Tracey.
Impressive A Level Results
Dean Maguirc College celebrates notable results
Mr. James Warnock spoke with pride of the results that pupils had achieved in the 2026 A–Level and AS examinations, saying ‘I am delighted with the results achieved by our pupils today, which indeed are very impressive and I applaud the students on the high grades they have received.’
He added: ‘I wish to acknowledge our dedicated teachers who have worked so closely with the students and which in turn has enabled the achievement of full potential at A2 and AS level. It is great to see that the endeavour of our students has resulted in a very high number getting their first choice at third level whilst others have decided to pursue degree and high–level apprenticeships on completion of their second level education. I also must thank the parents for their on–going support and encouragement and the strong link that exists between school and home, undoubtedly plays a role in the success we celebrate at this time’.
Top achievers at A–Level were:
Ava Byrne, Amy Ayna, Clara–Rose Marley, Lily–Rose Clarke, Eoghan Conway, Micheal Gallagher, Brona McCloy, Ciaran McMahon, Roisin Munroe, Rioghnach McAleer, Sarah McConnell, Grace Donnelly, Niamh McElduff, Aoife Coyle, Ella Kane, Shane Morris and Eoghan Mullan.
Mr. Warnock continued to say that the impressive results again at AS Level provided a very solid foundation for the students who would now be entering Year 14 in September. The top achievers at this level were:
Liam McCrystal, Mary–Jo Morris, Alex Kennedy, Eabha Sheridan, Caoimhe Kerr, Padraig Loughran, Kirsty Scott, Ella Mae Woods, Andrea McElhennon, Daniel Cullen, Erin Gormley, Eilis Loughran, Francis McNamee and Tatiana Tracey.
Success at the 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition
We are thrilled to announce that two of our very own Year 10 pupils, Áine Kelly and Caitriona Donaghy have achieved outstanding success in this year’s prestigious 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. This year, 6 independent judges reviewed an astounding 18,000 entries from across the island of Ireland. Amidst such an incredibly high standard of national talent, Áine and Caitriona successfully showcased their creativity to claim a Certificate of Commendation for their beautiful artwork. This award is a wonderful reflection of their dedication, passion, and artistic vision. We couldn’t be prouder to see their talent recognised on a national stage. Mrs H O’Hanlon is also delighted that both girls will be studying art at GCSE level! Well done girls, delighted for you both.
Dean Maguirc College is top local school in 2025 A–Level Examinations
Dean Maguirc College is top local school in 2025 A–Level Examinations
The recent publication of the performance of all post–primary schools in the 2025 A–Level examinations saw Dean Maguirc College being the top achieving school in the Omagh area, with 83% of its students obtaining grades of A* – C in three or more subjects. This accomplishment has also resulted in the college being placed 2nd overall in Co. Tyrone and 4th overall in Northern Ireland for all–ability second level schools.
The principal Mr. James Warnock, commenting on such success, said: “I again congratulate this cohort of pupils on their academic success and reiterate that the achievement results from pupils and staff working closely together and the on–going communication with parents who are most supportive ”.
He added “Whilst I applaud the achievement of our students, I do have reservations about ‘League Tables’ as it does not always reflect the holistic approach to education that prevails in our schools. For us, this is borne out in our mission statement, “We commit ourselves to the growth and development of people’’ and as an all–ability school, our goal is not only striving for academic success but to focus also on the personal, social and spiritual development of the pupil.’’
Trocaire presentation
We were delighted to present a cheque for £3600 to Mrs Patricia McQuade (Trocaire Volunteer), which was raised during our Lenten Campaign. Thank you kindly to all our pupils and staff who donated, it is greatly appreciated. Mrs McQuade is pictured with Mr Warnock (Principal), Mr Toner (Trocaire co-ordinator) and pupils.