Visiting St Mary’s High School in Newry and Newry High School, the Education Minister said: “Congratulations to all the young people who have today received their A and AS level results. I firmly believe that they result from the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of our young people. The results are also a credit to the professionalism, passion and commitment of teachers and parents.
“There will be young people today who did not get the results that they hoped for in order to pursue their career. However, you have come this far and I would urge you not to give up pursuing your goals, there are many options available to you and I would urge you to explore these.
“I wish you all every success for the future on whatever your chosen career route. This is an exciting time in your life and I would advise that you consider all avenues open to you and make your own decision as to what goal you wish to achieve.
“I have a progressive programme underway to reform our education system. This programme will maintain our excellent record in results while improving the educational experiences of all young people and narrowing the gap between those who do well and those the system is failing.”
98.2% of entries at A level here have achieved pass grades, with 35.4% being awarded the top grade A. This is respectively a 0.2% and 2.2% increase on last year, demonstrating that high standards have been maintained.
Girls continue to outperform boys at A and AS levels, both locally and within England, Wales and the north of Ireland together. Overall, boys and girls undertaking A/AS levels and advanced vocational qualifications here continue to achieve higher grades than their counterparts in England and Wales.
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: “For thousands of students the waiting is over. For those who received their results today and have done well I would like to add my congratulations on their considerable success.
“However, there will be some students who did not receive the results they would have hoped for. I would like to reassure them and indeed their parents or guardians that they have no need to panic. There are a number of options that will be open to them and there is support available to help make those decisions.
“The Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified Careers Advisers based in towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland offering impartial careers information, advice and guidance. I would urge young people, their parents or guardians to talk with Careers Advisers about the options available at this important time. Whatever your results I wish you every success and hope that you make wise and informed choices in your future careers.”
For those seeking information and advice on any issues relating to their exam results, contact your exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk. For those who did better or less well than expected, there may still be opportunities available through the UCAS clearing system and information, advice and guidance on what to do next is available from the Careers Service at 028 9044 1781 or at the Careers Service NI website
or the Aimhigher website
Notes to Editors:
- All available statistics are provisional and are subject to appeals, re-marks and, in the case of AS Levels, the cashing-in of awards.
- Figures for candidates in the north of Ireland cover all candidates, irrespective of the examining body with which the examinations were taken.
- Media queries to Press Office, Department of Education, 028 9127 9207 or Press Office, Department for Employment and Learning, Tel 028 9025 7872.
- Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- A/AS – Level Performance figures can be accessed at the Department for Education website
