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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.