GCSE Students mark education milestone

Students across Northern Ireland received their GCSE and other examination results today. This follows the publication of A-levels last week.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “We want to congratulate all those getting exam results and moving on to the next stage of their education, whether in school, college, university, or in the workplace.

“Performance of local students in school examinations – A levels, GCSEs, and their equivalents – remains strong and is a tribute to the efforts of students, teachers, parents and carers. These results can be relied upon by colleges and universities, by trainers and employers, as confirmation of the attainment of our young people. It is also important that we continue to work to increase the number of young people getting a good, sound, general education as reflected in their GCSE grades.

“Whilst the focus at this time is on results, it is also important to remember that education is about so much more than exams. The calibre of our young people, their personal qualities and attributes, are not to be summed up just by their exam results. Working with pre-schools, schools and colleges during their time in education, our young people have fostered skills, knowledge and understanding, some of which are demonstrated through exam results, but others are only evident as they go through life.

“We look forward to seeing their progress through formal education, increasing their contribution to the community and the workplace.”

The Department for the Economy’s Careers Service provide impartial advice and guidance on a range of career options, including further and higher education, apprenticeships, training, employment and voluntary work opportunities. 

If you need immediate advice following results, you can talk to a careers adviser online using the Departments instant messaging facility which is available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers. The service is available from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday but for GCSE results, the opening hours have been extended from 9.00am to 7.30pm on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 August. You can also call 0300 200 7820 to speak directly to a careers adviser.

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