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Thousands of students expecting GCSE results this morning Thousands of students getting GCSE exam results
(about 4 hours later)
Almost 32,000 pupils in Northern Ireland will get their GCSE results this morning. Almost 32,000 pupils in Northern Ireland are getting their GCSE results on Thursday morning - and Northern Ireland has bucked the national trend with a slight improvement in grades.
The number of GCSE students in schools has been reducing, year on year, because of a population slump. 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%.
In Northern Ireland only 2% did not get any pass grade.
About 658,000 students in England, Wales and NI are receiving results.
The number of GCSE students in Northern Ireland schools has been reducing, year on year, because of a population slump.
However, the number of pupils staying on to sixth form is rising. In 2007, 54.7% of pupils stayed on, but that rose to 66.3% in 2011.However, the number of pupils staying on to sixth form is rising. In 2007, 54.7% of pupils stayed on, but that rose to 66.3% in 2011.
Over the last six years the number of students getting five good grades has risen steadily.Over the last six years the number of students getting five good grades has risen steadily.
Despite the rise in students getting more than five good grades, there has also been a slight increase in the proportion of students leaving school with no qualifications.Despite the rise in students getting more than five good grades, there has also been a slight increase in the proportion of students leaving school with no qualifications.
This year's statistics will be available later.
Earlier this month, 13,000 students received grades for their A-level exams.Earlier this month, 13,000 students received grades for their A-level exams.
Overall, girls achieved better results than boys.Overall, girls achieved better results than boys.
More than 80% of A-level entrants in Northern Ireland achieved grades A*- C in 2012.More than 80% of A-level entrants in Northern Ireland achieved grades A*- C in 2012.
Stormont Education Minister, John O'Dowd, said: "This year there were a record 32,908 entries for A-levels here which represents a 10% rise in entries over the past five years. Stormont Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "This year there were a record 32,908 entries for A-levels here which represents a 10% rise in entries over the past five years.
"It is encouraging that more pupils are continuing on with their education after the age of 16 and I hope that this trend will continue in the coming years.""It is encouraging that more pupils are continuing on with their education after the age of 16 and I hope that this trend will continue in the coming years."
Further information for those obtaining GCSE results can be obtained from NI Direct.