'Star Performance' From A-Level Students

NI's A-level students have outperformed their counterparts in England and Wales - but that's no guarantee of a university place as applications have far outnumbered undergraduate vacancies.

For the first time, A*s were awarded to outstanding students, and 9.3% of Northern Ireland students achieved at least one of these grades, compared to 8.1% in England and Wales.

More than 12,000 pupils across Northern Ireland have been receiving their A and AS-level results.

Grades A* to C were achieved by 84.5%, down 0.1% on last year.

Grades A* and A, was awarded to 35.7% of pupils, an increase of 1.2% compared to the number of A grades in 2009.

But, students-in-waiting are likely to find competition for university places tougher than ever since Government limits on places and unprecedented numbers of applicants may mean many more students end up without the course they wanted.

Despite the enormous demand for places, universities have been told they must stick to a limit on the number of students they accept.

The Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today congratulated students who have received their A and AS level results. 



Visiting New-Bridge Integrated College, Banbridge and St Paul's High School, Bessbrook, the Education Minister said: "Congratulations to all the young people who have received their much anticipated results.

"Today we are living in an electronic age where everyone expects instant results, but to achieve success, you have had to study hard for two years to attain your grades."


Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "So many of our young people have achieved the grades they needed for their chosen pathways and they deserve our congratulations.

"However, there will also be those who face disappointment and to those I offer a different message - all is not lost and the most important thing you can do is stay calm and consider your options.

"There are many options available, and my Department's Careers Service Northern Ireland is there to help you choose the next steps that are right for you," he said.

The results have also been welcomed by the East Belfast DUP Councillor and MLA Robin Newton who greeted the news that students in Northern Ireland have done extremely well in their A Level results: "Northern Ireland is fortunate in having many dedicated, parents, teachers and excellent schools resulting in educational excellence by students.

"It is especially pleasing to see that the Northern Ireland's education and the commitment of the teachers and pupils have once again ensured Northern Ireland students are outperforming those in England and Wales.

"In congratulating all the pupils who achieved their A Level results it is gratifying to note that these achievements are within both grammar and the high school sectors," he said.

See: Another Record Year For A-Level Grades

(BMcC/KMcA)