24/08/2017
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 February 2024
FMDFM Opened Limavady's New £11m Shared Education Campus
NI's First and Deputy First Minister's have officially open a new £11 million shared education campus in Limavady. Education Minister Paul Givan accompanied the Ministers to view the newly completed campus bringing together St Mary's and Limavady High School sites with a range of new shared facilities.
FMDFM Opened Limavady's New £11m Shared Education Campus
NI's First and Deputy First Minister's have officially open a new £11 million shared education campus in Limavady. Education Minister Paul Givan accompanied the Ministers to view the newly completed campus bringing together St Mary's and Limavady High School sites with a range of new shared facilities.
17 January 2024
4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports
This year's 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport. Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.
4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports
This year's 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport. Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.
27 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Greens Calls For More Support For Addicts The Green Party has called for more support for people struggling with addiction. Party representative for Holywood and Clandeboye, Cllr Lauren Kendall, said: "From addiction to inspiration, suicide survivor Rory Sloan is using his experiences of recovery to help other young people.
Other News In Brief
Greens Calls For More Support For Addicts The Green Party has called for more support for people struggling with addiction. Party representative for Holywood and Clandeboye, Cllr Lauren Kendall, said: "From addiction to inspiration, suicide survivor Rory Sloan is using his experiences of recovery to help other young people.
18 August 2022
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
16 August 2007
GCE A and AS Level Results Welcomed
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today welcomed this year’s GCE A and AS Level results. Around 98% of entries at A-level in NI achieved pass grades, with 33.2% being awarded the top grade A. This is respectively a 0.3% and 0.
GCE A and AS Level Results Welcomed
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today welcomed this year’s GCE A and AS Level results. Around 98% of entries at A-level in NI achieved pass grades, with 33.2% being awarded the top grade A. This is respectively a 0.3% and 0.