21/08/2026
Givan Hails Northern Ireland Pupils For Strong GCSE Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students across Northern Ireland after this year's GCSE outcomes were released. In total, over 32,000 young people received results, with 83.6% achieving grade C/4 and above (compared with 83.5% in 2025) and 31.7% attaining grade A/7 and higher (31.6% in 2025).
Marking the occasion at Dromore High School, Mr Givan reflected on the efforts of learners and staff. He said: "Once again, our young people have shown us just how capable they are. Their hard work, dedication and resilience has led to an impressive set of GCSE results for Northern Ireland.
"To every young person receiving results today, congratulations and well done. You should be very proud of yourself. I also thank the many teachers and school leaders who have encouraged and supported our young people every step of the way." He encouraged anyone uncertain about their next move to seek advice and take time to consider their options. The Minister concluded: "For anyone who is feeling unsure after today's results, remember that this is only one step on your journey. There are many options for you to explore. Take your time and seek support from your teachers and families and you will find the right pathway.
"I wish all our GCSE students the very best for the future, whatever path they choose."
Northern Ireland operates an open qualifications market, allowing schools and colleges to offer GCSEs from awarding organisations beyond CCEA, such as AQA, OCR, Pearson and Eduqas, provided they meet Department of Education requirements. The majority of GCSEs taken here are CCEA qualifications.
CCEA has a dedicated results helpline for GCSE candidates. On results day, Thursday 20 August, it opens at 9.00am. From Friday 21 August to Wednesday 26 August, it runs Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Queries can be directed to 028 9026 1260, helpline@ccea.org.uk, or via ccea.org.uk/students-parents/exams-results-support
Marking the occasion at Dromore High School, Mr Givan reflected on the efforts of learners and staff. He said: "Once again, our young people have shown us just how capable they are. Their hard work, dedication and resilience has led to an impressive set of GCSE results for Northern Ireland.
"To every young person receiving results today, congratulations and well done. You should be very proud of yourself. I also thank the many teachers and school leaders who have encouraged and supported our young people every step of the way." He encouraged anyone uncertain about their next move to seek advice and take time to consider their options. The Minister concluded: "For anyone who is feeling unsure after today's results, remember that this is only one step on your journey. There are many options for you to explore. Take your time and seek support from your teachers and families and you will find the right pathway.
"I wish all our GCSE students the very best for the future, whatever path they choose."
Northern Ireland operates an open qualifications market, allowing schools and colleges to offer GCSEs from awarding organisations beyond CCEA, such as AQA, OCR, Pearson and Eduqas, provided they meet Department of Education requirements. The majority of GCSEs taken here are CCEA qualifications.
CCEA has a dedicated results helpline for GCSE candidates. On results day, Thursday 20 August, it opens at 9.00am. From Friday 21 August to Wednesday 26 August, it runs Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Queries can be directed to 028 9026 1260, helpline@ccea.org.uk, or via ccea.org.uk/students-parents/exams-results-support
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37% Of NI Students Achieve Top GCSE Results
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37% Of NI Students Achieve Top GCSE Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has congratulated GCSE students who received their results today, praising their hard work and resilience. The percentage of students receiving the highest grades in 2022 is higher than 2019, the last time qualifications were awarded on the basis of public examinations.
13 August 2014
Pubs Of Ulster Issues A-Level Results Warning
Pubs of Ulster today has issued a reminder to the pubs and clubs of Northern Ireland to be extra vigilant during exam results day. Thousands of students will be receiving their A level results on 14 August and will undoubtedly be heading into city centres and towns to celebrate.
Pubs Of Ulster Issues A-Level Results Warning
Pubs of Ulster today has issued a reminder to the pubs and clubs of Northern Ireland to be extra vigilant during exam results day. Thousands of students will be receiving their A level results on 14 August and will undoubtedly be heading into city centres and towns to celebrate.
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Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
22 August 2024
Students Across NI Receive GCSE Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the success of Northern Ireland's students receiving their GCSE results today. Today's results, awarded to over 32,000 GCSE students across Northern Ireland, reveal that 82.7% of students received grade C/4 and above while 31% received grade A/7 and above.
Students Across NI Receive GCSE Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the success of Northern Ireland's students receiving their GCSE results today. Today's results, awarded to over 32,000 GCSE students across Northern Ireland, reveal that 82.7% of students received grade C/4 and above while 31% received grade A/7 and above.
23 August 2012
GCSE Results Up Slightly In NI, Bucking National Trend
Students across Northern Ireland picked up their GCSE results today. And in contrast to the national trend of grades dipping, the region's 32,000 16-year-olds achieved a slight improvement on last year's results. A* to C grades have gone up by a small margin to 75.6% compared to the national UK average which has fallen to 68.4%. 27.
GCSE Results Up Slightly In NI, Bucking National Trend
Students across Northern Ireland picked up their GCSE results today. And in contrast to the national trend of grades dipping, the region's 32,000 16-year-olds achieved a slight improvement on last year's results. A* to C grades have gone up by a small margin to 75.6% compared to the national UK average which has fallen to 68.4%. 27.






