NI students still set UK benchmark for top grades at A-level

Pupils here are still producing more top grades than in England and Wales (27.8%), with 30.3% awarded A* or A grades in 2024 compared to 37.5% in 2023, 44% in 2022 and a record 51% in 2021.

In 2019, the last time exams were sat without the impact of adjusted grades and special conditions due to the pandemic, 29.4% of pupils got the top two grades.

This year’s results mean one in 12 (8.2%) A-levels in 2024 was an A*. The figure was 8% in 2019.

Overall, 98.5% of local students achieved an A*-E grade, similar to 98.4% in 2019.

During a visit to Belfast High School yesterday morning, Education Minister Paul Givan said: “We’re beating England, Wales… and that’s important to continue to punch above our weight in terms of our qualifications.

“I’m delighted with the results and it’s a culmination of a huge amount of work put in by the teaching profession and the hard work of the incredibly dedicated pupils.

“Speaking to some of them this morning, the hours of work that they put in every week and at weekends — today they get to see the results of all of that.

“I’m hugely proud of what we have been able to achieve in Northern Ireland.”

At Dunclug College in Ballymena, principal Niall Oliver echoed those sentiments.

“I’m absolutely delighted for all the pupils and all the different levels of success they have achieved,” he said.

“Some will have access to university, some will go into high level apprenticeship, but the main thing is that everyone has a pathway and progression.

“We’ve been on a journey from pre-pandemic to now.

“We have noticed there are less grades in the A/A* category, but pupils have achieved across the board and they have navigated superbly under the steer of parents and staff.”

He added: “We are in a changing world of how education works.

“It used to be a clear path to tertiary education. Now there are many more avenues for children right across the board and that’s the important thing to remember.

“If one door closes, there are so many more to be opened and explored.”

At AS-level, trends were similar to A-level, with 26.7% awarded an A grade in 2024 compared to 26.4% in 2019.

Almost nine in every 10 AS-level and A-level entries are made through the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) exams board, and chief executive Gerry Campbell offered congratulations to the pupils.

“These results are an important milestone for thousands of young people across the country and students should feel proud of their achievements,” he said.

“This year also marks a milestone for examinations as we have completed the first normal exam year since the pandemic began.

“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.”

CCEA will operate a results helpline until Wednesday, August 28 on 028 9026 1260.

The Department for the Economy’s careers service is also offering online advice, or you can access its help by calling 0300 200 7820.

Pupils awaiting GCSE results will receive them next Thursday.

Watch: Pupils at St Dominic’s celebrate with their A-level success