NI pupils continue to outperform UK peers

Northern Ireland is continuing to perform well in GCSE examinations as pupils across the province receive the remainder of their results today.

Local pupils obtained the first of the results on Tuesday but received the remainder on Thursday as the rest of the UK hear what they have achieved in these year's examinations.

The figures, published by CCEA on behalf of all the awarding bodies operating in Northern Ireland, also show that, as with 'A' Levels, Northern Ireland pupils continue to outperform their peers in England and Wales.

At the highest grade Northern Ireland has stretched its lead over the rest, with

7.5% of entries locally achieving the top A* grade as compared to 5.9% nationally. At A* to C, 71% of Northern Ireland entries made the grade as opposed to 61.2% nationally.

CCEA Chief Executive Gavin Boyd said: “Here is further evidence of the excellent work that is carried out in our schools and colleges to ensure Northern Ireland’s young people continue to achieve their potential.

"As with the A level results last week this is another good news story for Northern Ireland. The results achieved by the class of 2005 means they now have the opportunity to continue their education or to move on to employment. The hard work of teachers and students deserves our praise and encouragement.”

Despite the overall drop in entries there have been significant rises in a number of GCSE subjects. In particular there have increases in: Information Technology (up 9.4%); Music (up 9.3%); Spanish (up 7%); and PE (up 6.9%). Of the subjects losing entries the most notable are: French (down 8.7%); Business Studies (down 7.5%); and Home Economics (down 6.4%).

(MB/SP)