A-level grades in Northern Ireland fall from last year and return to pre-pandemic levels

The number of students achieving top grades at A-level in Northern Ireland has fallen sharply since last year, but results show a return to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 26,000 pupils across the north are today receiving their A-level and AS results with grades published this morning by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Results were made available to students online from around 8am.

Exam regulators said this year reflects the end of the “journey to pre-pandemic outcomes” and results issued today are similar to those awarded in 2019.

Northern Ireland MPs vote against winter fuel payments cut

New bypass to cut journey times to Donegal via Derry

It marks the first year of a total return to pre-pandemic arrangements in awarding qualifications.

Exam regulators had said they aimed to return to pre-pandemic grading this summer after the Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Almost a third of A-level students in Northern Ireland received a top A/A* grade.

At A* grade, 8.2% of pupils achieved the top grade, compared to 8% awarded in 2019. But the number of students achieving the top grade has fallen from 11.6% last year.

The figures also show 30.3% of students achieved A*- A grades, compared to 29.4% in 2019.

CCEA said this year’s results are not directly comparable with last year when some 37.5% achieved an A/A* grade when mitigations were in place.

Overall, 98.5% of students in Northern Ireland achieved A*- E grade, similar to 98.4% in 2019 and 98.8 in 2023.

Over one third of A-level entries in Northern Ireland continue to be in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Mathematics returns as the top A-level subject, accounting for just under one in 10 entries.

It was followed by biology (8.7%), health and social care (7.9%), business studies (7%), history (6.4%), chemistry (5.9%), geography (5.1%), English literature 4.8%), religious studies (4.1%) and physics (3.9%).

Meanwhile, AS-level entries were up from 39,336 in 2023 to 41,180 this year.

In those results, some 26.7% of students achieved grade A (26.4% in 2019) and overall 96.4% achieved A-E grade (95.7% in 2019).

Most of the A-levels sat in Northern Ireland were from CCEA, while others sat exams set by other boards across the UK.

Scores of students are also receiving BTec results and vocational qualifications.

During a visit to Belfast High School on Thursday morning, Stormont education minister Paul Givan said he is delighted that results in Northern Ireland “continue to outperform other parts of the UK” where 27.8% of grades awarded were A/A*.

“We’re beating England, Wales and that’s important to continue to punch above our weight in terms of our qualifications,” he said.

“I’m delighted with the results and it’s a culmination of a huge amount of work put in by the teaching profession and the hard work of the incredibly dedicated pupils, speaking to some of them this morning, the hours of work that they put in every week and at weekends, today they get to see the results of all of that.

“I’m hugely proud of what we have been able to achieve in Northern Ireland.”

Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA, said: “On behalf of everyone at CCEA, I wish to congratulate this year’s students who are receiving their AS and A level results today.

“These results are an important milestone for thousands of young people across the country and students should feel proud of their achievements.

“2024 also marks a milestone for examinations as we have completed the first normal exam year since the pandemic began.

“This would not have been possible without the collaboration and hard work of our schools and colleges, and I wish to especially thank them for their support and commitment to our students across Northern Ireland.

“Best wishes to all our students today and in the future.”

The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) has praised the hard work of pupils across Northern Ireland.

Mark Baker, CSSC chief executive, said: “I would like to commend pupils on their commitment to learning and to recognise their achievements both today and throughout their primary and secondary education.

“As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, we wish them every success whether they choose to pursue opportunities in further and higher education or employment.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all staff in controlled schools for their tireless efforts in supporting our young people to reach their full potential.”

EA chief executive Richard Pengelly praised the hard work and determination of all young people.

“This is a very important day for schools and for all the young people reaching this milestone in their educational journey,” he said.

“They should be incredibly proud of their hard work, commitment and determination.”

CCEA has also set up a dedicated results helpline to offer advice and guidance for students receiving their results, including: GCE, GCSE, Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE), Occupational Studies, Online Language Assessment (OLA) and Vocational Qualifications.

On A-level results day, the helpline will open at 8am. From August 16 to 28, it will be in operation, Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm.

Anyone with queries regarding CCEA’s results can call 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, or visit the Summer 2024 Awarding and Results Days area for more information.