Menu
22/08/2013
GCSE Rates Show Slight Improvement
Students across Northern Ireland have woken up this morning to received the results of this year's GCSE examinations, which show a general improvement on 2012's grades.
The overall NI pass rate has shown a slight increase this year, with 99.2% of grades awarded at A*-G. Last year the pass rate was 99.0%.
76.5% of entries at GCSE in Northern Ireland achieved grades A*-C, a slight increase from 75.6% in 2012.
68.8% of entries in English and 64.6% in mathematics showed increases of 0.6 and 1.7 percentage points respectively.
At the top grades, A*-A, was awarded to 28.0% of entrants, a slight increase from 27.9% in 2012.
The A* grade was awarded to 8.7% of entrants compared to 8.9% in 2012.
Education Minister John O'Dowd visited Lagan College and St Genevieve’s High School in Belfast to meet with pupils as they collected their results.
He said: "Regardless of what decisions they make, I would like to offer my congratulations to all who received their results this morning on their achievements.
"There will be some who may not have received the grades they had hoped for. My advice to these young people is not to panic. There are a number of services available to help support and guide students on the next steps.
"Those staying on at school will be able to access a much wider range of courses than might previously have been the case. The Entitlement Framework, which becomes statutory in the coming school term, ensures all students at post-16, regardless of where they study, can access a minimum of 21 courses, both general and applied with clear progression routes to further and higher education, training and employment."
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry 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 expected, be they better or worse than anticipated, there are many other opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. My Department’s Careers Service can help you unlock your potential.
"Northern Ireland’s further education colleges also offer you the opportunity to study from a wide range of full-time courses to suit your career path, with options including 'A' Levels, GCSE, NVQ and Apprenticeships. You may want to consider an apprenticeship, where you have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, using new technology, giving you the chance to earn while you learn and gain qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Training for Success can also provide you with an opportunity to gain the skills necessary for employment, letting you enter at the level that matches your needs, develops your employability skills and allows you to gain nationally recognised qualifications."
Those with queries on any issues relating to results should contact a local exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk.
(IT/CD)
The overall NI pass rate has shown a slight increase this year, with 99.2% of grades awarded at A*-G. Last year the pass rate was 99.0%.
76.5% of entries at GCSE in Northern Ireland achieved grades A*-C, a slight increase from 75.6% in 2012.
68.8% of entries in English and 64.6% in mathematics showed increases of 0.6 and 1.7 percentage points respectively.
At the top grades, A*-A, was awarded to 28.0% of entrants, a slight increase from 27.9% in 2012.
The A* grade was awarded to 8.7% of entrants compared to 8.9% in 2012.
Education Minister John O'Dowd visited Lagan College and St Genevieve’s High School in Belfast to meet with pupils as they collected their results.
He said: "Regardless of what decisions they make, I would like to offer my congratulations to all who received their results this morning on their achievements.
"There will be some who may not have received the grades they had hoped for. My advice to these young people is not to panic. There are a number of services available to help support and guide students on the next steps.
"Those staying on at school will be able to access a much wider range of courses than might previously have been the case. The Entitlement Framework, which becomes statutory in the coming school term, ensures all students at post-16, regardless of where they study, can access a minimum of 21 courses, both general and applied with clear progression routes to further and higher education, training and employment."
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry 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 expected, be they better or worse than anticipated, there are many other opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. My Department’s Careers Service can help you unlock your potential.
"Northern Ireland’s further education colleges also offer you the opportunity to study from a wide range of full-time courses to suit your career path, with options including 'A' Levels, GCSE, NVQ and Apprenticeships. You may want to consider an apprenticeship, where you have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, using new technology, giving you the chance to earn while you learn and gain qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Training for Success can also provide you with an opportunity to gain the skills necessary for employment, letting you enter at the level that matches your needs, develops your employability skills and allows you to gain nationally recognised qualifications."
Those with queries on any issues relating to results should contact a local exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
25 August 2016
GCSE Results See 'Small Rises' Across All Grades
GCSE results have risen across all grades in Northern Ireland, according to the latest figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). The figures for 2016 show a rise of 0.4% to 79.1% for A* - C grades across all subjects, while pupils achieving A* - A results rose by 0.5% this year to 29.
GCSE Results See 'Small Rises' Across All Grades
GCSE results have risen across all grades in Northern Ireland, according to the latest figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). The figures for 2016 show a rise of 0.4% to 79.1% for A* - C grades across all subjects, while pupils achieving A* - A results rose by 0.5% this year to 29.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
