A & AS Levels - NI Achieves 98% Pass Rate

As Northern Ireland students collect their A & AS Level results today, the Department of Employment and Learning has revealed that the overall pass rate has remained unchanged this year, with 98.2% of grades awarded at A* - E.

83.5% of entries at A-level in Northern Ireland achieved grades A*- C. At the top grades, A* - A was awarded to 30.7% of entrants.

2013 is the fourth year of the new A* grade and the figures show 7.2% of grades awarded were A*.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Education Minister John O’Dowd congratulated the students.

Visiting Hazelwood Integrated College in Newtownabbey, Dr Stephen Farry said: "It is heartening to see so many of our young people achieving the grades they need for their chosen pathways and they deserve our congratulations.

"Sometimes results can mean a change of plan, and we want to let students know that there are still many possibilities and choices available, whether you have done better than expected or not as well as you had hoped. My primary advice to anyone in this situation is to remember that help is at hand.

"My Department’s Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified careers advisers offering impartial careers guidance to young people and adults. You can call 0300 200 7820 or log on to the nidirect results page to access a wealth of useful information and locate your nearest Careers Office."

Education Minister John O’Dowd said: "Today marks the culmination of many years of hard work by the young people who have received their A-Level results. The level of attainment of pupils in our schools is testament to the work and commitment of parents, teachers and above all the pupils themselves.

"Whatever the future holds, I would like to wish all the young people affected the best of luck as they decide on the next step."

Dr Farry concluded: "A number of you will be going onto university, but for some there are other routes to achieving your future goals. I would encourage young people to investigate all options open to them. Our Further Education colleges offer a wide variety of foundation degrees and vocational qualifications and further study may prove beneficial, especially in the current economic times. Apprenticeships are another way to develop specialist skills, giving you the chance to earn while you learn and gain qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future."

For those with queries on any issues relating to exam results, contact your exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk.

(IT/CD)