WATCH: Northern Ireland's students excel in A-level top grades

Nearly one third of A-level students across Northern Ireland have received a top A/A* grade.

They were among more than 26,000 to receive their results in A-level and AS-levels today (Thursday).

This year marks the completion of the transition back from various interim arrangements put in place during the coronavirus pandemic, with results described as being comparable with 2019.

Amid periods of lockdown, examinations were cancelled in 2020 and 2021, while mitigations were put in place in 2022 and 2023.

This year, some 30.3% of students received a grade A or above, just up from 29.4% in 2019.

Examinations board CCEA, which issues results in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), described a milestone year.

They indicated that this year's results are not directly comparable with last year when some 37.5% achieved an A/A* grade when mitigations were in place.

This year there were 32,873 A-level entries.

Some 8.2% of entries achieved an A (8% in 2019), 30.3% achieved A - A grades (29.4% in 2019) and overall 98.5% of students in Northern Ireland achieved A*- E grade (98.4% in 2019).

Mathematics was the most popular subject accounting for 9.6% of entries.

It was followed by biology (8.7%), health and social care (7.9%), business studies (7%), history (6.4%), chemistry (5.9%), geography (5.1%), English literature 4.8%), religious studies (4.1%) and physics (3.9%).

Meanwhile, AS-level entries were up from 39,336 in 2023 to 41,180 this year.

In those results, some 26.7% of students achieved grade A (26.4% in 2019) and overall 96.4% achieved A-E grade (95.7% in 2019).

Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated young people receiving their BTEC, AS and A level examination results.

Around a third of our A level students were awarded the highest grades of A* to A and Northern Ireland continues to be the highest performing region in the United Kingdom at these grades.

The percentage of students being awarded grades A* to E was 98.5%.

Minister Givan said: “Congratulations to all the young people who received their results today. They have all worked incredibly hard and this has been reflected in the grades they have deservedly achieved.

“Our pupils have again performed impressively, and I wish them well as they move on to their next stage of education, employment or training.”

The Minister added: “For some students the results will not be what they had hoped for and I would urge them not to be disheartened. This is just one step in their journey and there are many pathways open to students who may be unsure of their next steps. I would encourage them to seek advice on the range of options and take time to consider the many choices available.”

The Minister concluded: “Summer 2024 also marks an important milestone for examinations as it completes Northern Ireland’s return to pre-pandemic arrangements and standards. With this in mind, I want to pay tribute to all the teachers across Northern Ireland who have worked tirelessly over recent years and continue to be at the centre of delivering successful education outcomes for our young people. Today is testament to their commitment, dedication and passion.”

Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA described the results as an "important milestone for thousands of young people across the country", adding that "students should feel proud of their achievements".

"2024 also marks a milestone for examinations as we have completed the first normal exam year since the pandemic began," he said.

"This would not have been possible without the collaboration and hard work of our schools and colleges, and I wish to especially thank them for their support and commitment to our students across Northern Ireland."

Next week, some 32,000 students will receive the results of their GCSEs.

Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy has encouraged those receiving exam results, and their parents/carers, to contact his department's Careers Service for free, professional, impartial advice and guidance.

"It is important that young people receiving their exam results today know that professional advice is available to help them navigate the next stage of their career journey," he said.