St Louis Grammar School Becomes First School in Northern Ireland to Achieve SSAT Framework for Exceptional Education

18th February 2026

St Louis Grammar School are celebrating a landmark moment in its history, becoming the first and only school in Northern Ireland to be accredited as ‘transforming’ in all 12 strands of SSAT’s prestigious Framework for Exceptional Education.

This exceptional recognition places our school amongst a small, elite group of schools across the UK whose practice is judged to be of the very highest standard. It is a powerful affirmation of school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

The Framework for Exceptional Education is a rigorous and demanding process. It challenges schools to reflect deeply, set ambitious targets and demonstrate impact at every level. Accreditation in each strand involves a detailed self-evaluation, peer review with senior leaders from another Leading-Edge school, and robust external moderation by experienced SSAT reviewers. Achieving ‘transforming’ status across all 12 strands is a rare and remarkable accomplishment.

At the heart of this success is the school’s vision: Excellence, Endeavour and Empowerment.

Mrs O’Neill reflects on what this recognition means for the St Louis community:

“We strive for excellence in everything we do. The Framework for Exceptional Education allowed us to reflect on our practice and ensure we are truly living out our vision. Our focus is always on providing the very best educational experience for the students entrusted to our care.”

The accreditation process also provided valuable opportunities for collaboration through SSAT’s Leading-Edge network. By engaging in peer reviews with other exceptional schools across the UK, we have both showcased our innovative practice and gained fresh insights to further enhance our provision. This outward-looking mindset — a willingness to learn, adapt and lead — is central to the St Louis culture.

SSAT reviewers found a deeply embedded culture of determination and high aspiration throughout the school. Investment in teacher professional learning, engagement with the latest educational research, and a relentless drive for improvement were all key strengths identified during the review.

Importantly, student voice was recognised as a genuine force within the school. Our students are not passive recipients of education — they are active partners in shaping their learning environment. Their high expectations, leadership and commitment to excellence play a central role in driving the school forward.

While St Louis is proud of its strong academic outcomes, its vision extends far beyond examination results. The review highlighted the school’s rich curricular and extra-curricular programmes, high-quality pastoral care, and meaningful partnerships with parents, past pupils and the wider community. Education at our school is broad, ambitious and values-driven — focused on developing confident, capable and compassionate young people.

To be the first school in Northern Ireland to achieve ‘transforming’ status in all areas of the Framework for Exceptional Education is a historic achievement. It reflects the dedication, professionalism and passion of the entire St Louis community — leaders, teachers, support staff, students and families.

This milestone is not simply a recognition of past success, but a powerful statement of intent for the future.

St Louis Grammar School continues to set the standard — transforming education and inspiring excellence every day.