Prize Day 2025

Senior Prize Day at St Louis was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate another set of exceptional GCSE and A Level results. An outstanding 98.1% of students secured 3 or more A*- C grades at A Level, 60.3% of all grades achieved were at A* - A and over 87% of students received grades A* - B.

At GCSE Level 98.8 % of Year 12 students attained 7 or more GCSEs at Grades A* - C (including English and Maths), with 60 students celebrating 8 A*/A grades or more and 75 students gaining 7 A* /A grades or more. 83% of all results were Grades A* - B.

To recognise the academic, sporting and cultural achievements of the class of 2025 St Louis was delighted to welcome back Marianne O’Kane, Head Girl in 1987, and now Senior Assistant Director at the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service, as Guest Speaker.

After leaving St Louis, Marianne studied law at Queen's University, Belfast and qualified as a solicitor in 1993. During three years in the Compensation Agency, she pursued a Masters in Business Administration degree and joined the Office of the DPP as a Senior Prosecutor in 2002.

Since first being appointed to an Assistant Director post in 2007 Marianne has represented the Service in a range of important initiatives, including the establishment of the Victim and Witness Care Unit, the Serious Crime Unit, the Indictable Cases Process and the Gillen Review.

Marianne reflected on her own career and spoke inspiringly on the theme of Courageous Leadership,

“I’m a lawyer, I’ve had to take some very hard decisions, where my judgement and my character have been called into question. I’ve been at tables where I’ve had to deliver some very unwelcome messages, to victims of crime, who expect me to make it better by delivering a successful prosecution outcome, when that is not possible.

I’ve asked myself what did I learn about leadership at St Louis that allowed me to do all that for over 30 years.

1. Standing up for what is right - even when it’s unpopular

2. Speaking out – even when this feels risky, you feel small and you’re not sure what to say

3. Holding Fast – especially when the way forward is uncertain and even when your character is under challenge

4. Influencing others – influence is a very powerful asset. You don’t have to be a high powered leader to inspire others. I’ve learned that we are able to empower others more easily, if we have empathy.

Courageous leadership is open to all of us. It’s something we can practice each day; in school, in families, in our communities.

· What matters to me?

· Where can I make a difference?

· What’s one small act of courage I can make?

Courageous leaders aren’t perfect, they just make a choice to act.

To every student here, today is a celebration not just for those who will collect an award, but all of you. You are receiving a world class education in a very special place where you have the opportunity to achieve your maximum potential and every chance to build a better community and a safer world. You can transform lives, now and wherever your adult life will lead you”.

“Senior Prize Day is a special day at St Louis. We celebrate with our students, parents and wider school community not only the academic achievements of our students but also the myriad other contributions all our students make to creating the special atmosphere of St Louis. Through sport, volunteering, the many clubs and societies the school offers, as well as spiritual and community endeavours, I am proud that there is something for everyone at St Louis. Congratulations to everyone recognised at Prize Day this year. I wish you all the very best in your future studies and careers”. Mrs O'Neill.

See photos here.