GCSE RESULTS: top class year for NI's top grades
Last updated 12th Aug 2021
Nearly 40% of GCSE students across Northern Ireland have achieved top grades, it was revealed today (Thursday).
That represents a 3.6% rise on last year.
As around 29,000 pupils received their results, figures showed that 39.9% were awarded A or A* grades.
Meanwhile, the number of entries receiving A-C grades remained stable at nearly 90%.
Other findings showed a hike in the number of students achieving top grades in both English and Maths.
In a statement, educational body CCEA, said: “Figures released this morning by the Joint Council for Qualifications show Northern Ireland’s GCSE students have continued to perform well and demonstrated remarkable resilience in an exceptional year.
"This achievement by students is recognition of their hard work and resilience in overcoming the many challenges and disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Like the A-level results which came out on Tuesday, the GCSE marks were teacher-assessed after formal examinations were cancelled for the second year in a row due to the covid pandemic.
We spoke to a number of pupils today from Foyle College Senior School in Londonderry.
Pictured are (top) Kelsey Fisher (16) and (bottom) and Holly Porter.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen congratulated GCSE students across Northern Ireland.
"I wish to congratulate all of the young people who have received their GCSE results today. They have worked incredibly hard to achieve success in their studies and this has been reflected in the grades they have deservedly achieved today," she said.
"No other cohort of students have experienced a situation where they have been out of the classroom for a sustained period of time, not just once, but twice. Despite two years of disrupted learning, our young people have shown immense determination, resilience and tenacity in their studies.
"I also wish to pay tribute to teachers across Northern Ireland who have been at the heart of students' education throughout this important year. Without their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment, today's successes would not have been possible.
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all school staff, parents, governors and young people for their hard work, dedication, efforts and support during the current pandemic.
"Congratulations to all our students and my very best wishes to them for the future. I would encourage young people to remain in education or training post-16, following a course in a setting that best meets their needs and aspirations.''