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Number of pupils doing GCSEs fall Number of pupils doing GCSEs fall
(about 1 hour later)
The number of students entered for GCSEs in Northern Ireland has fallen by 4%, CCEA have said.The number of students entered for GCSEs in Northern Ireland has fallen by 4%, CCEA have said.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has published the overall performance figures for pupils in Northern Ireland.The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has published the overall performance figures for pupils in Northern Ireland.
There has been a small increase in the percentage of entries achieving A* grades rising from 8.9% to 9.1%.There has been a small increase in the percentage of entries achieving A* grades rising from 8.9% to 9.1%.
Grades A*-A showed a 0.7% increase to 27.1%, and entries gaining grades A*-C has increased by 0.6% to 75.1%.Grades A*-A showed a 0.7% increase to 27.1%, and entries gaining grades A*-C has increased by 0.6% to 75.1%.
CCEA said the fall in entrants was representative on an overall downward trend of falling pupil numbers in Northern Ireland.CCEA said the fall in entrants was representative on an overall downward trend of falling pupil numbers in Northern Ireland.
On Tuesday, students got their marks from local exam boards but on Thursday received results from boards outside Northern Ireland.On Tuesday, students got their marks from local exam boards but on Thursday received results from boards outside Northern Ireland.
These make up around a third of all GCSEs taken by pupils across NI.These make up around a third of all GCSEs taken by pupils across NI.
Exam boards have been criticised for releasing the results so late and giving schools, parents and pupils little time to prepare for a new term.Exam boards have been criticised for releasing the results so late and giving schools, parents and pupils little time to prepare for a new term.
With some schools re-opening this week they have said they will have only a few days between finding out grades and having to accept or reject paperwork.With some schools re-opening this week they have said they will have only a few days between finding out grades and having to accept or reject paperwork.
The exam boards have now agreed to bring forward next year's results by two days and to publish them all on 24 August.The exam boards have now agreed to bring forward next year's results by two days and to publish them all on 24 August.
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, congratulated young people on the results.
Caitríona Ruane said: "These are excellent results and they show the determination of our young people to work to the best of their ability.
"Teachers and parents have inspired and motivated our young people to work hard to achieve these results and they should also be congratulated for their hard work and dedication."
Sir Reg Empey said young people who had not done as well as they had hoped should not panic.
"It is important to take stock and consider all the options. Do not make any hasty or rushed decisions. There are a number of options open and there is support available to help in the decision making process.
"These could include sixth form at your current or new school, enrolling on a course at your local further education college, following an apprenticeship or training program or gaining employment."