NI A-level grades up since last full test year

AS and A Level results in Northern Ireland are better than the last summer exam series in 2019.

89 per cent of the 25,000 pupils opening results today will find A* to C grades in their envelopes – six per cent more than three years ago.

The marks are based on formal tests for the first time since before the pandemic, therefore today’s data is compared with 2019, as predictions and algorithms determined the outcomes for students in 2020 and 2021.

In 2020 and 2021 teacher-assessed grades were issued.

This year exams were sat; however, measures were put in place to smooth the transition.

These included students having the option to omit a unit of assessment in most subjects to focus their revision.

There were also assessment adaptions, reducing coursework, and contingency arrangements for those who miss an exam due to illness as well as generous grading in recognition of the level of disruption experienced.

As the means of determining grades in 2021 was different, it was anticipated that with the return to examinations assessment the overall distribution of grades in 2022 would be lower to that of 2021.

The Joint Council for Qualifications has revealed some statistics based on figures from the five examining bodies in NI.

📝Here are some of the key takeaways:

6% more A*s have been awarded at A Level.

Almost half of A Level students (44 per cent) have achieved the top A* and A grades – a rise of 14 per cent.

The overall A Level pass grades (A* to C) have increased by 4.5 per cent to a massive 89 per cent of all exam-takers.

Maths remains the most popular A Level choice, with nine out of every 100 7th years choosing it .

This year, chemistry has made it into the top five most popular A Levels for girls.

For AS students, the number of A grades awarded has shot up by 12.4 per cent since 2019

The Education Minister has offered her congratulations to everyone on the receiving end of results.

“They have worked incredibly hard in their studies and this has been reflected in the grades they have deservedly achieved. Despite three years of disrupted learning, our young people have shown immense determination, resilience and tenacity in their studies,” said Michelle McIlveen.

The Minister went on to commend the teachers who have helped the teens on their journeys.

“They have, within the most challenging circumstances, continued to be at the heart of students’ education throughout this crucial year. Without their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment, today’s successes would not have been possible,” she said.

Commenting on this summer’s AS and A level results, Leah Scott, Acting Interim Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), said:

“Congratulations to the thousands of GCE students across Northern Ireland receiving their results today. It is a positive day for these students who, despite the exceptional challenges they faced, have continued to perform well.

"These results reflect two years of hard work from our young people, schools, colleges, and the wider school community. I pay tribute to their dedication and resilience as we returned to the first full summer examinations since 2019.

"On behalf of everyone at CCEA, I wish all those receiving results today every success for the future and share our thanks to all of those who helped them on this journey.”

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• exams
• ccea
• A-Level Results
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