Small Increase In GCSE Grades

There has been a small increase across GCSE grades in Northern Ireland this year.

Almost 80% of pupils achieved A* - C grades and girls continued to perform better than boys.

However, there was a slight improvement in males achieving A* - C grades.

STEM subjects, Science, Mathematics, Technology and Engineering, remain popular, but there was a drop in the number of pupils taking Biology and Chemistry, according to figures released on Thursday, 24 August.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: "We want to congratulate all those getting exam results and moving on to the next stage of their education, whether in school, college, university, or in the workplace.

"Performance of local students in school examinations – A levels, GCSEs, and their equivalents – remains strong and is a tribute to the efforts of students, teachers, parents and carers. These results can be relied upon by colleges and universities, by trainers and employers, as confirmation of the attainment of our young people. It is also important that we continue to work to increase the number of young people getting a good, sound, general education as reflected in their GCSE grades.

"Whilst the focus at this time is on results, it is also important to remember that education is about so much more than exams. The calibre of our young people, their personal qualities and attributes, are not to be summed up just by their exam results. Working with pre-schools, schools and colleges during their time in education, our young people have fostered skills, knowledge and understanding, some of which are demonstrated through exam results, but others are only evident as they go through life."

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Karen Mullan MLA said: "I would like to congratulate all those students getting their GCSE results today.

"I believe they are the result of the hard work and dedication. They are also a credit to the professionalism and commitment of teachers and parents.

"I would like to commend the three successive Sinn Féin Education Ministers for their work in developing our education system. 

"If you did not achieve the grades you wanted, there are other options out there. I would urge you to explore these by talking to your teachers and careers advisers.

"There is a lot of pressure on young people now a-days and I would tell them follow your heart, follow your passion."

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said: "The high marks in the grades show the great standards in our local schools and are testament to the levels of teaching. I hope after years of hard work and study, young people achieved the grades they hoped for. While results are important, today is only the next step on a longer journey.

"Unfortunately, some pupils will not have received the results they were hoping for. A number of options remain available to these young people and I urge them to contact their school or the Department for the Economy's Careers Service, who will advise them on the best way forward for their particular circumstances."

(CD)