Northern Ireland A Level results in as tens of thousands of young people decide their futures

Record number getting first-choice university

Thousands of students across Northern Ireland have received their A Level and AS Level results today – with a record number getting their first-choice university.

A total of 32,275 pupils got their results early on Thursday morning with the majority of A Level and AS Level qualifications taken through the Northern Ireland exams board CCEA. Some students will also receive grades from English and Welsh exam boards.

Students started getting their university offers online at 8am today before visiting their schools from 9am to collect exam results in person. With A Levels, 8.7% of entries achieved the A* grade, compared to 8.2% in 2024, while 30.4% of entries achieved grades A*- A, compared to 30.3% in 2024.

Overall, 98.7% of students in Northern Ireland achieved A*- E grades, compared to 98.5% in 2024. Over a third (37.3%) of A level entries in Northern Ireland continue to be in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Mathematics remains the most popular A level subject, accounting for 1 in 10 entries. The other most popular subjects this year were biology, 8.4% and health and social care 8.0% and history with 6.1%. The most popular subject for females was health and social care with 11.8% of female applicants.

And for male applicants the most popular A levels result was mathematics with 14.3% of males receiving mathematic results today. This year, AS level entries are up from 41,180 in 2024 to 43,362 this year, an increase of 5.3%.

In provisional AS outcomes, 27.2% of students achieved grade A, compared to 26.7% in 2024. Overall, 96.7% achieved A – E grades, compared to 96.4% in 2024. This year grades have been similar to grades awarded to the years before the coronavirus pandemic.

Reacting to the results, CCEA Chief Executive Gerry Campbell said: “Congratulations to all the students receiving their results today. This marks a significant step in your personal and educational journey, and everyone at CCEA recognises the dedication and effort that brought you to this point. Your results reflect your resilience, hard work and growth and you should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.

“I would also like to thank the teachers, school leaders, and support staff whose commitment and guidance have played a crucial role in helping students reach their potential.

“To every student receiving results today – well done, and best of luck as you take your next steps, wherever they may lead. The results you received today are stepping stones to your future, whether that be further education, entering the world of work, or something else.”

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