Northern Ireland tops UK for A-level results as 86.9% secure C grade or above

Taryn Simpson and Hannah Spence who received results today for Level 3 Health and Social Care from Northern Regional College in Ballymena. Taryn is heading off to study Adult Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast, while Hannah progresses to study Psychology at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

Northern Ireland has recorded the best A-level results across the UK, with 86.9% of entries achieving a grade C or above, as thousands of young people receive their A-level, AS-level and Level 3 vocational qualification results today.

Students receiving BTEC and other Level 3 results are among those discovering what comes next for their education and careers, while Northern Ireland’s A-level performance puts it more than six percentage points ahead of the next best-performing UK region, London, where 80.5% of entries received a C grade or higher.

Top grades have also edged upwards. Of the 33,824 A-level entries in Northern Ireland this year, 30.7% received an A* or A — compared with 30.3% in summer 2025.

The proportion achieving the highest A* grade increased slightly from 8.7% last year to 8.8% this year.

Overall, 98.9% of Northern Ireland A-level entries achieved grades A to E*, up from 98.7% in 2025.

For pupils receiving their results today, the figures translate into decisions about university places, further education, apprenticeships, training and employment — while those who did not receive the grades they hoped for are being urged to seek advice before deciding their next move.

Maths remains Northern Ireland’s most popular A-level

Godfrey Goho who received results today for Level 3 Counselling Studies from Northern Regional College in Ballymena. Godfrey will be staying with us at the College to progress his studies with the Level 4 in Counselling.

STEM subjects — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — continue to account for more than a third of A-level entries in Northern Ireland, representing 38.2% of the total.

Mathematics remains the single most popular A-level subject, accounting for around one in every 10 entries.

The five most popular A-level subjects overall are:

1. Mathematics

2. Health & Social Care

3. Biology

4. Business Studies

5. History

There has also been a slight increase in the number of AS-level entries.

A total of 43,582 AS-level entries were recorded this year, an increase of 0.2% compared with 2025.

For provisional AS grades, 27.6% achieved an A, up from 27.1% last year.

‘You should be incredibly proud’

CCEA Chief Executive Gerry Campbell congratulated students and said results day represented a significant milestone after years of work.

“This moment marks a significant milestone in your personal and educational journey, and everyone at CCEA recognises the dedication, resilience and hard work that have brought you to this point,” he said.

“Your achievements reflect the determination and growth you have shown throughout your studies. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders and support staff whose commitment, expertise and encouragement have helped students reach their potential. Their guidance plays a vital role in shaping the success we celebrate today.

“To every student receiving results, well done. As you take your next steps, whether into further education, higher education, training, employment or new opportunities, remember that today’s achievements are important stepping stones toward your future.

“We wish you every success in the exciting paths ahead.”

Minister urges pupils to consider every route

Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at Friends’ School Lisburn with Principal Stephen Moore and pupils. (Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

Education Minister Paul Givan also congratulated young people as he visited Friends’ School Lisburn on results day.

“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.”

Mr Givan had a particular message for young people whose results were not what they had hoped for.

“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.”

The Minister also paid tribute to teachers, school leaders and support staff.

“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.”

‘There isn’t just one route ahead’

Heather Woodside who received results today for Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care from Northern Regional College in Ballymena. Heather will now progress to study Adult Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sir Chris Bryant said the rise in top grades reflected the work of students as well as their teachers and families.

“Many warm congratulations to every student across Northern Ireland who’s received their A-Level and vocational results today.

“You should feel so proud of everything you have achieved personally and you should use this moment to build your future life.

“The increase in top A-Level grades reflects not just your hard work but that of all the teachers and families who have helped you get there.

“This is an exciting time to build your future in Northern Ireland. There isn’t just one route ahead. There are opportunities in traditional university degrees, Higher-Level Apprenticeships or stepping directly into the workforce.

“I want every young person in every postcode to have a chance to get on which is why the UK government is investing in jobs and opportunities in Northern Ireland.

“Your skills will help shape Northern Ireland’s future, and I wish you every success.”

Careers advice available for students

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald encouraged young people weighing up their options to make use of professional careers advice.

“I want every young person to be able to learn and to thrive. There are many options open to you as you begin this exciting new chapter in your lives.

“My department’s Careers Service is here to support you with these crucial next steps and help you confidently take the path that is right for you.”

A-level Results Day at Friend’s School Lisburn. The Education Minister for Northern Ireland, Paul Givan MLA pictured during a visit to the school. (Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

Head of the Careers Service Justin Kerr said advisers could help young people explore different routes using current information on education, training and employment opportunities.

“The Careers Service can help explore a range of pathways, with access to up-to-date labour market information on further education, higher education, training and employment opportunities.

“There is also a wide range of information online to support those conversations and decisions. Students and parents/carers can find information on the nidirect careers website or speak to the Careers Service by calling 0300 200 7820.”

Help available following results

Results have been issued today for A and AS levels as well as Level 3 BTEC qualifications.

Most A and AS levels taken in Northern Ireland are CCEA qualifications, although schools and colleges can also offer approved qualifications from awarding organisations including AQA, OCR, Pearson and WJEC.

CCEA has established a dedicated results helpline for students and families seeking advice or guidance.

The helpline is open from 8am today, Thursday 13 August. From Friday 14 August until Wednesday 26 August, it will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Anyone with a query about CCEA results can call 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, or visit:

https://ccea.org.uk/students-parents/exams-results-support

Students and parents or carers can also contact the Careers Service on 0300 200 7820 for help considering further education, higher education, training and employment opportunities.

With Northern Ireland leading the UK for the proportion of A-level entries achieving C or above and top grades edging higher than last year, today’s results provide plenty to celebrate. For individual students, however, the most important numbers are their own — and whether the outcome confirms their plans or sends them towards a different route, advice and alternative pathways remain available.