On Thursaday, little over 26,000 people received their A- and AS-level results. The transition out of the different temporary measures implemented during the coronavirus pandemic is complete this year, and the outcomes are said to be equivalent to those of 2019.
Exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns, while mitigations were implemented in 2022 and 2023. About 30.3% of students this year earned a grade of A or above, which is a little increase from 29.4% in 2019.
A landmark year was described by the Examinations Board CCEA, which publishes results in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
They stated that the results of this year cannot be directly compared to those of previous year, when mitigations were in place and about 37.5% of students received an A/A* grade.
There were 32,873 A-level entries this year. In total, 98.5% of students in Northern Ireland received an A*–E grade (98.4% in 2019), with 8.2% of entrants receiving an A* (8% in 2019), and 30.3% receiving A*–A grades (29.4% in 2019). With 9.6% of entries, mathematics was the most popular topic.
Following it were biology (8.7%), business studies (7%), history (6.4%), chemistry (5.9%), geography (5.1%), English literature (4.8%), religious studies (4.1%), health and social care (7.9%), and physics (3.9%).
In the meantime, there were 41,180 AS-level entries this year compared to 39,336 in 2023.
According to those findings, 26.7% of students received an A (compared to 26.4% in 2019), while 96.4% of students received an A–E (compared to 95.7% in 2019).
The results, according to CCEA CEO Gerry Campbell, are a "significant turning point for thousands of young people across the nation," and "students should feel proud of their accomplishments."
"2024 also marks a milestone for examinations as we have completed the first normal exam year since the pandemic began," he stated.
"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."
Approximately 32,000 students will find out their GCSE results next week. Conor Murphy, the minister of stormont economy, has urged exam takers and their parents/caregivers to get in touch with his department's Careers Service for free, expert, unbiased 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 stated.
"My department's Careers Service can describe the vast array of prospects accessible, based on the most recent labour market data, regardless of the results you have received today.
"I want to wish all students best wishes for the future and reassure you the Careers Service is ready to support you on your next steps," stated Mr. Murphy.