Ministers welcome GCSE results

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today congratulated young people on this year’s GCSE results.

A*-C grades were achieved by 76.3% of candidates, an increase of 1.2% on 2009. The top A* grade was achieved by 8.9%, a very slight decrease of 0.2% on last year. This strong performance demonstrates that high standards have, yet again, been maintained.

Commenting on the results, the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “I would like to congratulate all the students who have worked so hard to achieve their results today. The excellent results highlight not only your own determination, but the inspiration and motivation provided by your parents and teachers throughout your education.

“We are seeing a reduction in the numbers of pupils leaving school without five good GCSEs including in English and Maths, dropping from over 12,000 (47.4%) in 2005/06 to 9,500 (41.6%) 2008/09. This is a direct result of the series of progressive reforms I have introduced to improve the education system since I took up office. However, I’m sure we all agree that 9,500 pupils remains a startling figure, one which I am dedicated to reducing further through raising standards and tackling underachievement across all schools.

“CCEA has also advised me that it has rechecked all the multiple choice GCSE papers following the errors that arose in the Chemistry A-level multiple choice paper, and confirmed that all the checks were clear.

“I wish everyone who received results over the past week the best of luck in pursuing their career goals.”

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “The importance of making an informed decision following exam results is imperative to effective career planning. Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future. If you did not achieve the results you had hoped for, today is not a day to panic, as there are many other opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully.

“My department’s Careers Advisers are located across the Province and offer free, impartial advice and guidance on the options available. Careful consideration should be given to these as they are the first step towards achieving a fulfilling career.

“I would urge you all to visit the Careers Service website and nidirect for a wealth of useful information and the location of your nearest Careers Office. While it may appear, after the exam results, one door has been closed for you, the Careers Service can help you open other doors and unlock your potential.”

Girls have continued to outperform boys at the top grade A* and at grades A* - C. 10.8% of girls received a grade A* compared to 6.9% of boys. 79.3% of girls achieved grades A*-C compared to 73.1% of boys.

Further GCSE performance figures can be accessed on the Department of Education's website.

Details of how to contact your local Careers Adviser are available on the Careers Service NI website or phone 028 9044 1781.

Information on the Education Maintenance Allowance can be found on the nidirect website. Educational Maintenance Allowance is also available for those participating in the new Training for Success provision. For details on this funding see nidirect.

nidirect also has information on choosing a school, college or other options after age 16.

Anyone seeking information and advice on any issues relating to their exam results should contact their school or college or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk

For those whose results were better or not as good as expected, information, advice and guidance on what to do next is available from nidirect.

All available statistics are provisional and are subject to appeals and re-marks.

Notes to editors:

1. Media queries to: Press Office, Department of Education, Tel 028 9127 9207 or Communications Branch, Department for Employment and Learning, Tel 028 9025 7872. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.