Ministers congratulate students on high standards

Education Minister Martin McGuinness and Employment and Learning Minister Carmel Hanna have congratulated local students and their teachers on the standards achieved in this year’s GCE A and AS-level examinations.

Mr McGuinness said: “I am delighted that local pupils have again, this year, achieved high standards in GCE A-level examinations. Over 96% of pupils achieved pass grades, with 28% being awarded the top grade A – respectively a 4.3% and 3.5% increase from last year.

“I would like to praise the hard work and dedication of students, teachers and parents alike, which has resulted in achieving these commendable results. While candidates undertaking AS-levels have until September 20 to cash-in results, indications are that local pupils are comparing very favourably once again to their counterparts in England and Wales.”

Recognising that some pupils may be disappointed by their grades, Mr McGuinness said: “Education is not only about exam results but is also about our young people acquiring the skills to play a significant part in our society. While some may be disappointed that they cannot follow their first preference, there are many other opportunities open to them and I wish them success for their future.”

Mrs Hanna said: “Education and Training represent our best change for the future. The results offer further evidence of the sound efforts of our teachers and students in Schools and FE Colleges. I wish the young people every success whether they move into higher education, further education or the world of work.”

In all around some 65,000 A and AS grades were issued to Northern Ireland students.

The five most popular subjects chosen by A-level students were Biology (10.5%), English Literature (9.4%), Mathematics (8.3%), Geography (7.7%) and History (7.0%). The AS students also chose a similar range of popular subjects but History lost out to Chemistry to take fifth spot.

(SP)