Performance Of NI Students 'Remains Strong' - JCQ

The overall performance of students in Northern Ireland remains "strong" despite an increase in the gender performance gap in A and A* grades, according to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Published today, Thursday, 17 August, as A-Level results are released, JCQ revealed that performance across all grades remains stable, with NI students continuing to perform well.

There was an increase in performance across all grades with those awarded an A* grade increasing by 0.4 percentage points to 8.1% of entries. The percentage of entries achieving A*– A grade increased by 0.9 percentage points to 30.4%, and the overall A*– E pass rate remains stable with a 0.1 percentage point increase to 98.3%.

However, the performance gap between females and males has widened across all grades. This is believed to be due to an increase in outcomes by females and a decrease in outcomes by males across all grades. Females now outperform males by 1.5 percentage points at the A* grade and 6.5 percentage points at the A*– A grade.

Female outcomes at the A* grade increased by 0.9 percentage points to 8.7% and outcomes at the A*– A grades increased by 2.0 percentage points to 33.3%. Male outcomes at the A* grade declined by 0.3 percentage points to 7.2% and outcomes at the A*– A grade declined by 0.4 percentage points to 26.8%.

A-level entries saw a slight decrease this year (-3.6%), however this is in line with the overall school population decrease (-3.4% year 14, -3.8% year 13).

Subject choices in Northern Ireland remain broadly stable at A-Level, with Mathematics continuing to be the most popular A-level, accounting for 1 in 10 of entries here. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) entries have decreased to 39.2% of all A-level entries in Northern Ireland, down from 39.8% in 2016.

There are increases in entries in Computing (+28.6%), Physical Education (+4.7%), Design and Technology (+3.0%), Media/Film/TV (+2%) and Religious Studies (+2.3%). There were declines in entries in Psychology (-16.3%), Geography (-8.7%), Physics (-8.6%) and History (-7.7%).

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), the body responsible for setting examinations in NI, has set up a dedicated examinations helpline offering advice and guidance for students who are expecting their A-Level and GCSE results over the next fortnight.

The helpline will be in operation from 9am until 5pm, from Wednesday 16 August until Wednesday 30 August, however lines will open at 7am today, Thursday 17 August.

Anyone with queries regarding CCEA's examination results can call 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, log onto the CCEA website to access answers from the Frequently Asked Questions section

CCEA Examinations Manager Michael Crossan said: "Results day is a momentous occasion in the life of every student. Each year CCEA's examination's helpline responds to hundreds of calls from students, parents and schools who have queries about their examination results.

"The helpline has proved to be a highly important and valuable service that provides reassurance and guidance during what can be an anxious and stressful time.

"I would encourage anyone with a query or concern about their CCEA examination results to pick up the phone and give us a call.

Finally I would like to wish everyone awaiting examination results on the 17 and 24 August every success on the next stage of your journey and into the future."

(MH)