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Thousands of pupils get GCSE results | Thousands of pupils get GCSE results |
(35 minutes later) | |
GCSE results in Northern Ireland have stayed almost static this year. | GCSE results in Northern Ireland have stayed almost static this year. |
The biggest change is an improvement of 1% in the number of A* to C grades. | The biggest change is an improvement of 1% in the number of A* to C grades. |
By comparison, the results across the UK have shown a fall in those grades. | By comparison, the results across the UK have shown a fall in those grades. |
In Northern Ireland and across the UK there has been a small drop in the number of A* grades. However, in Northern Ireland almost 9% got that result compared to just under 7% across the regions. | In Northern Ireland and across the UK there has been a small drop in the number of A* grades. However, in Northern Ireland almost 9% got that result compared to just under 7% across the regions. |
In Northern Ireland, 76.5% of exams were awarded an A* to C grade. | In Northern Ireland, 76.5% of exams were awarded an A* to C grade. |
That is significantly better than the overall UK picture of 68%. | That is significantly better than the overall UK picture of 68%. |
Girls are again outperforming boys in GCSEs and the gap is widening. | Girls are again outperforming boys in GCSEs and the gap is widening. |
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland pupils are becoming less keen on taking French and German at GCSE level but Spanish and Irish are more popular. | Meanwhile, Northern Ireland pupils are becoming less keen on taking French and German at GCSE level but Spanish and Irish are more popular. |
There are more pupils taking maths and science, probably as a result of a government push to help the economy. | There are more pupils taking maths and science, probably as a result of a government push to help the economy. |
'Do not panic' | |
Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "Today is an important day in the lives of the young people receiving their GCSE results. | |
"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." | |
Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said it was imperative to make an informed decision following exam results. | |
"Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future," he said. | |
"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." | |
Careers' information can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/results or, you can call 0300 200 7820. | |
For those with queries on any issues relating to their exam results for example appeals; remarks; re-sits, contact your exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk. |