A-Level & GCSE qualifications clarified

This is for students taking examinations set by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) which provides the majority of examinations in Northern Ireland - 87% of A levels and 98% of GCSEs.

Calculated grades will be issued for those completing their A level, A/S level and GCSE qualifications based on information provided by schools and colleges and statistical information.

A/S level grades will count as a stand-alone qualification; they will not contribute to a final A level grade in 2021.

Grades will be awarded for GCSEs due to complete in 2020 (mostly year 12s), but not for GCSE units where GCSEs are due to complete in 2021 (mostly year 11s). In the latter case, pupils will have the option to take any outstanding units in 2021 and have missing components calculated using statistical modelling and/or to sit all units in 2021 and be awarded the higher grade from either option.

Speaking in the Assembly today, Peter Weir said: “In March, I announced that, in line with other jurisdictions of the UK, GCSE, AS and A level exams would not proceed in Northern Ireland in summer 2020. My priority is to ensure that pupils receive fair results that reflect their hard work and enable judgements to be made about their future progression to study or employment or other avenues.

“This is a very complex process and there is still more work to be completed,” adding that teachers will be using their professional judgement together with an extensive range of evidence held by schools to establish grades.