GCSE results: Northern Ireland's students are best performers in the UK

Nearly one third of students across Northern Ireland received top marks today (Thursday) in their GCSEs - the best results in the UK.

Some 31% of entries this year were awarded A/7 or above.

That is down from last year's 34.5% but the exam body CCEA warned that this year was the first full one without exceptional arrangements since before covid struck.

More than 32,000 GCSE students throughout Northern Ireland received their results this morning.

In a statement CCEA said the results reflected the completion of the return to pre-pandemic arrangements and are similar to those awarded to students in 2018.

According to CCEA GCSE entries this year have increased from 168,118 in 2023 to 175,555

This is in line with the school population increase in Northern this year of 5.7%

Entries for GCSE qualifications this year have increased from 168,118 in 2023 to 175,555,

Meanwhile, In GCSE English Language, 24.7% achieved A/7 and above, when compared to 22.9% in 2019. 82.5% were awarded grade C/4 and above, in comparison to 80.7% in 2019.

Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated students during a visit to Dromore High School in Co Down on Thursday morning.

He described results as "exceptional" and a "credit to the teaching staff and pupils".

"The results we have received here and right across Northern Ireland are tremendous," he said.

"I am delighted when I look back at 2019 because we have achieved slightly higher grades, but then I benchmark it across the United Kingdom, and when we're sitting at nearly 83% of a pass rate of A* to C compared to England at 67%, Wales at 62%, I am delighted with those results and it shows how we have excellence here in Northern Ireland and I want to continue to support our schools to deliver that in the future," he added.

Commenting on today’s results CCEA Chief Executive, Gerry Campbell, said:

“Warmest congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results today.

"These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of students over the last two years and throughout their studies. Today’s results also mark an important step as students progress to their next stage, be it education, training or into employment.

"A special thank you to all the school leaders, teachers and lecturers for their continued support, guidance and dedication to their students. I would also like to thank our examiners and support, guidance and dedication to their students.

"I would also like to thank our examiners and moderators for their essential contributions throughout the summer examinations series.

"I wish all GCSE students the very best on the next stage of their journey."