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  • Education Minister congratulates students celebrating A Level, AS Level and Level 3 qualification success

    Date published: 13 August 2026

    Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students receiving their A, AS level and other Level 3 examination results.

    Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at Friends’ School Lisburn with Principal Stephen Moore and pupils.

    The percentage of students being awarded grades A* to E was 98.9%.

    Speaking during a visit to Friends’ School Lisburn, Education Minister Paul Givan said: 

    “Congratulations to all of the young people receiving their results today. Behind each grade is a story of effort, resilience and self-belief, and you should all be proud of what you've achieved.

    “Once again, pupils across Northern Ireland have worked incredibly hard to reach this point. I wish every one of them well as they move forward, whether that’s into further or higher education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.”

    The Minister added: 

    “If your results aren't quite what you hoped for, please remember that one set of results does not define you or your future. There is a wide range of paths open to you, and I'd encourage you to talk things through with your school or college, look at all the options available, and give yourself time to decide what's right for you.”

    Paul Givan concluded: 

    “I also want to thank the teachers, school leaders and support staff who have guided and encouraged young people throughout their education. Their dedication makes a real difference every day, and today's achievements reflect the hard work of school communities right across Northern Ireland.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Results issued today for A and AS levels as well as level 3 BTEC qualifications.

    2. There is an open qualifications market in Northern Ireland, which means that schools and colleges can choose to offer A levels and AS levels from awarding organisations other than the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). This includes AQA, OCR, Pearson and WJEC. Qualifications to be delivered in schools must comply with the Department of Education requirements.

    3. The majority of A and AS levels taken in Northern Ireland are CCEA qualifications.

    4. CCEA has set up a dedicated results helpline which offers advice and guidance for students who are expecting their results. On A level results day, Thursday 13 August, the helpline will open at 8.00am. From Friday 14 August to Wednesday 26 August, the service will operate Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Anyone with queries regarding CCEA’s results can call 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, or visit the CCEA website area for more information - https://ccea.org.uk/students-parents/exams-results-support

    5. For more news from the Department of Education, you can follow us on our social media channels:

    • X @Education_NI  
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    6. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk .

    7. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110

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