Minister congratulates students receiving GCSE results
Date published:
Education Minister, Paul Givan has congratulated GCSE students across Northern Ireland who received their results today.
Results, awarded to over 32,000 GCSE students, reveal that 83.5% of students received grade C/4 and above (82.7% in 2024) while 31.6% received grade A/7 and above (31% in 2024).
Commending students during a visit to Saintfield High School, Paul Givan said: “Congratulations to all the young people receiving their GCSE results today. Their hard work and determination have truly shone through in the grades they have achieved.
“Pupils in Northern Ireland have once again delivered exceptional results and are continuing to outperform their peers in England and Wales. The percentage of students achieving top grades A/7 and above and those securing C/4 and above, has risen compared to 2024. This success reflects both the dedication of the students and the commitment and professionalism of teachers across Northern Ireland. I commend all our pupils as they take their next steps into further education, employment, or training.”
Paul Givan continued: “Today represents an important milestone in each student’s journey. For those feeling uncertain about what comes next, there are many valuable pathways to explore.
“I encourage anyone seeking guidance to take the time to consider the wide range of opportunities available and to reach out for support in making informed and confident decisions about their future.”
Notes to editors:
- Picture Caption: Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at Saintfield High School with pupils.
- Results issued today are for GCSE qualifications.
- There is an open qualifications market in Northern Ireland, which means that schools and colleges can choose to offer GCSE qualifications 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.
- The majority of GCSE qualifications taken in Northern Ireland are CCEA qualifications.
- CCEA has set up a dedicated results helpline which offers advice and guidance for students who are expecting their 2025 results. On GCSE results day, Thursday 21 August, the helpline will open at 8.00am. The helpline will then be in operation, Monday to Friday, from 9.00am until 5.00pm, starting Friday 22 August to Wednesday 27 August. 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
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