Almost third of GCSE pupils awarded top A* and A grades

Almost a third of GCSE entries in Northern Ireland have again been awarded the top A* and A grades.

That is much higher than in England or Wales.

Overall results in Northern Ireland in 2026 were relatively similar to those in 2025, which had been predicted.

Over 32,000 students received their GCSE results on Thursday.

Some students also received results of vocational qualifications like BTECs.

In Northern Ireland, 31.7% of GCSE entries were awarded A* or A.

That compares to 31.6% in 2025.

In English Language and Maths, which are compulsory subjects, over a quarter of entries were awarded grade A or A*.

The most popular other subjects at GCSE were Double Award Science, Religious Studies, English Literature and History.

The vast majority of GCSEs in Northern Ireland are taken through the Northern Ireland exams board CCEA and are graded from A* to G.

But some pupils in Northern Ireland received their results in numbers, where 9 is the top grade and 1 the lowest, as they took GCSEs through English or Welsh exam boards.

CCEA's chief executive Gerry Campbell said that the results reflected students hard work, resilience and determination.

The Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated all those who received their results and said the outcomes show how capable young people are.

"For anyone who is feeling unsure after today's results, remember that this is only one step on your journey. There are many options for you to explore."

Pupils in Northern Ireland cannot get their GCSE results online so went to school to get their grades.

Precious Olukanni is from Integrated College Glengormley and she achieved two A*s, six As and one B.

"I'm very very happy," she said. "I was really nervous last night but my mum was more nervous."

Olukanni hopes to go on to do her A-levels and is considering studying software engineering or cyber security at university.

Her mother added she knew her daughter "was going to smash it" adding that she was "so super proud".

Oliver Montgomery also said he was happy with his results.

"It's been a nervous wait, but I'm really happy to have gotten my results," he said.

"It's not completely what I expected - I've exceeded my expectations."

He achieved five A*s and five As and is hoping to do A-levels in maths, chemistry, biology and geography.

Aideen McDonnell went to Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Enniskillen to collect her results with her mum Laura and Dad Killian. She received 10 A*s.

"I was very nervous but very definitely so happy when I got my results," she said.

Her mum added that she was so delighted her daughter's hard work paid off.

Christine Farry got 9A*s and an A and she said she was "really happy".

Izzy was nervous for her GCSEs but said she did really well. She hopes to go on and do English Literature, History and business studies.

Ellen Clearly said: "It's a very big deal for me, I was very nervous, I'm just glad that all my work paid off."

Principal of St Patrick's and St Brigid's College in Claudy Phillip McCullagh said results day can be an anxious time particularly for parents and staff.

He told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that most students "are quite cool about the results".

The school has in recent years had a "great consistency in results over this last few years".

It is a day, he added, in which the focus is on "ensuring the pupils get to the next step, whatever that may be in education, training or employment".

Staff at the North West Regional College say a busy day lies ahead as students consider their next steps.

Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards said some pupils who get their GCSE results might not be sure what to do next.

"It's a big choice at 16, 17 years of age," she said on BBC Radio Foyle.

"We will have those who have maybe applied for a couple of courses and would like a bit of advice."

Pupils use their GCSE and results of other qualifications like BTECs to progress to A-levels, courses in Further Education, training or employment.

CCEA is operating a results helpline for students until 26 August on 028 9026 1260 or via email on helpline@ccea.org.uk

The Department for the Economy's careers service is also providing advice and support on 0300 200 7820 or online.