Almost a third of A-level students in Northern Ireland received a top A/A* grade.
Just over 26,000 received results on Thursday morning.
As expected, results have returned to pre-pandemic levels with a return to exam arrangements before Covid-19. In 2019, 29.4% of students received the top grades.
Grosvenor Grammar School Principal Dr F Vasey pictured with Weronika Stella, Conor Allen, Evie Bovill and Matthew Meredith. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
The total number of A-level entries in Northern Ireland has remained stable with 32,873 entries this year.
Some 8.2% of entries achieved an A* grade compared to the 8.0% awarded in 2019.
Overall, 98.5% of students in Northern Ireland achieved A*- E grade, similar to 98.4% in 2019.
During a visit to Belfast High School on Thursday morning, Education Minister Paul Givan said he is delighted that results in Northern Ireland “continue to outperform other parts of the UK” where 27.8% of grades awarded were A/A*.
“We’re beating England, Wales and that’s important to continue to punch above our weight in terms of our qualifications,” he said.
“I’m delighted with the results and it’s a culmination of a huge amount of work put in by the teaching profession and the hard work of the incredibly dedicated pupils, speaking to some of them this morning, the hours of work that they put in every week and at weekends, today they get to see the results of all of that.
“I’m hugely proud of what we have been able to achieve in Northern Ireland.”
Over one third of A-level entries in Northern Ireland continue to be in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Mathematics returns as the top A-level subject with the most entries, accounting for just under 1 in 10 entries.
Belfast High School pupils celebrate their A level results this morning at the school with Education Minister Paul Givan. Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press
AS-level entries are also up this year from 39,336 in 2023 to 41,180 this year, an increase of 4.7%.
In provisional AS outcomes 26.7% of students achieved grade A, compared to 26.4% in 2019.
Overall, 96.4% achieved A-E grade, compared to 95.7% in 2019.
Commenting on this summer’s AS and A-level results, Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA praised NI students.
“On behalf of everyone at CCEA, I wish to congratulate this year’s students who are receiving their AS and A-level results today.
“These results are an important milestone for thousands of young people across the country and students should feel proud of their achievements.”
Belfast High School pupils celebrate their A level results this morning at the school. Photo Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press
Mr Campbell also praised school and colleges across the country.
“2024 also marks a milestone for examinations as we have completed the first normal exam year since the pandemic began.
“This would not have been possible without the collaboration and hard work of our schools and colleges, and I wish to especially thank them for their support and commitment to our students across Northern Ireland.”