Northern Ireland GCSE results rise as 83.6% achieve key grades
- Love Ballymena
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Pupils from Cambridge House Grammar School who received their GCSE results on Thursday morning.
More than 32,000 young people across Northern Ireland have received their GCSE results today, with a slight increase in the proportion achieving the key benchmark of grade C/4 and above.
Figures released on Thursday, 20 August, show 83.6% of students achieved grade C/4 or higher, compared with 83.5% in 2025.
The proportion receiving the highest grades also rose marginally, with 31.7% awarded grade A/7 and above, up from 31.6% last year.
Minister joins students celebrating results
Education Minister Paul Givan joined pupils and staff at Dromore High School as results were issued across Northern Ireland.
“A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students collecting their GCSE results today! It has been fantastic to capture some of the celebrations as our students receive the results they have worked so hard for. We are incredibly proud of all their achievements and wish them every success as they take their next steps! Our Year 11 students are also collecting some of their module results today — another important milestone on their GCSE journey. Well done to all our students — enjoy the celebrations!”
—Dunclug College
Reflecting on the achievements of students, Mr Givan said:
“Once again, our young people have shown us just how capable they are. Their hard work, dedication and resilience has led to an impressive set of GCSE results for Northern Ireland.
“To every young person receiving results today, congratulations and well done. You should be very proud of yourself. I also thank the many teachers and school leaders who have encouraged and supported our young people every step of the way.”
Today’s results will determine the immediate next steps for thousands of students, including progression to A-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, further education or employment.
Support available for students unsure of next step
“Lots of happy faces in Cambridge House today as our pupils collected their CGSE results. An excellent set of results today. Congratulations everyone!”
—Cambridge House Grammar School
The Minister encouraged anyone disappointed by their grades—or uncertain about what to do next—not to view today’s results as defining their future.
Mr Givan said:
“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. Take your time and seek support from your teachers and families and you will find the right pathway.
“I wish all our GCSE students the very best for the future, whatever path they choose.”
Students who have not received the grades they expected should speak to their school or college before making any decisions. Teachers and careers advisers can explain the available alternatives and help students identify a suitable route forward.
CCEA results helpline opens
A huge congratulations to Agnieszka, St Patrick College’s highest-achieving GCSE student, who achieved an outstanding 8 A*s and 2 As!
“Congratulations to all our GCSE students on receiving their fantastic results today! We are incredibly proud of you and all the hard work and dedication you have shown. Wishing you every success as you take the next exciting step in your journey. We looking forward to seeing many of you back next week to begin Year 13 in SPCB.”
—St Patrick’s College Ballymena
St Patrick’s College highest achieving students with at least three A*/A Grades.
St Patrick’s College students.
St Patrick’s College students with 9 or more GCSEs.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has established a dedicated helpline offering advice and guidance to students receiving results.
The service opened at 9am today. It will continue from Friday 21 August until Wednesday 26 August, operating from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Anyone with a query about CCEA results can:
Northern Ireland has an open qualifications market, allowing schools and colleges to offer GCSEs from awarding organisations including CCEA, AQA, OCR, Pearson and Eduqas, provided the qualifications meet Department of Education requirements.
Most GCSE qualifications taken in Northern Ireland are awarded by CCEA.
For the thousands of students opening their results today, the grades mark an important milestone—but support and alternative pathways remain available for anyone whose next step is not yet clear.
