14/08/2014

NI A-Level Grades Rise Slightly

There has been a slight increase in the amount of Northern Ireland students achieving the A* - C grade in this year's A levels, the Department of Education has said. The number rose to 83.7% from 83.5% in 2013.

There was also a slight increase in the percentage of entries being awarded the top A* grade, rising from 7.2% last year to 7.3% in 2014.

At A*-A there was a slight decrease of 0.8% from last year to 29.9%. The overall A*-E pass rate has remained broadly similar at 98.1%, as opposed to 98.2% in 2013.

Visiting St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook and Newry High School, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: "I would like to offer my best wishes to all those who have received their exam results today. I know that these results are the culmination of many years’ hard work by pupils, with support from their teachers and families. I congratulate all involved.

"Pupils here continue to perform particularly well and I am delighted to see STEM subjects such as biology and maths ranking amongst the most popular choices for pupils.

"However, not all pupils will get the results they were hoping for today and I urge those young people not to worry. Help and advice is available to you and I encourage you to speak to your teachers, careers advisers and parents to discuss your future career or study path."

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: "The importance of making an informed decision following exam results is imperative to effective career planning. Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future. There are many opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. My Department’s Careers Service can help you unlock your potential.

"Careers Advisers are located across Northern Ireland and offer professional, impartial advice and guidance on the options available. Careful consideration should be given to these as they are the first step towards achieving a fulfilling career. I would urge you all to visit NIdirect careers for a wealth of useful information and the location of your nearest careers adviser or, alternatively, you can call 0300 200 7820."

(IT/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 August 2024
Free Careers Advice Available For NI's Young People
Young people who have received, or are waiting to receive, exam results have been urged to avail of free, professional, impartial advice and guidance offered by NI Direct. Last week young people across Northern Ireland received their A Level results, and GCSE results are to be delivered on Thursday (22 August).
10 August 2021
Young People Receiving Exam Results Urged To Avail Of Free Career Guidance
Young people receiving A level and AS level results have been urged to make full use of the free guidance and assistance offered by the Department for the Economy's Careers Service.
18 August 2022
Young People Encouraged To Access Free Impartial Careers Advice
Young people receiving their results, and their parents/carers, are being encouraged to make use of the impartial advice and guidance offered by the Department for the Economy's Careers Service.
15 August 2013
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.
19 September 2023
SDLP Calls For More To Be Done To Help NI Students
The SDLP has called for increased North-South collaboration after an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found Ireland's university admissions systems were disadvantaging students from the North. According to the ESRI report, students from the South made up 2.4% of students in NI while students from NI made up only 0.