A-level results: Increase in number of students awarded top grades

A* or A grades were achieved in 29.5% of A-level entries, a rise of 0.2% on 2015. The overall A*-E pass rate remained the same as in 2015, at 98.2%.

Female students have continued to outperform boys in gaining top grades.

Girls achieved A* or A grades in 31.3% of entries compared to 27.2% of entries from boys.

In 2015, 31% of entries from girls received A* or A grades compared to 27.2% of entries from boys.

The number of girls taking STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - at A-level has also increased.

There was a 1.4% rise in the number of students taking A-levels in Mathematics. For the second year in a row the

subject is the most popular A level, accounting for almost 11% of all Northern Ireland A level entries.

Biology, History, English and Religious Studies complete the list of the five most popular subjects. There have been notable drops in the number of A-levels taken in subjects like Music, Drama, Art and Design and French.

Among those celebrating were students at St. Mary’s in Limavady,

School Principal, Mary McCloskey said: “St. Mary’s pupils once again exceeded expectations marking yet another year of excellent academic and personal achievements for students at the school, with 95% of pupils achieving three A Levels with 40% of grades being A*-B.

“We are thrilled with the outstanding success of our students A-level results. It has been a busy morning and we are pleased to see so many of our students achieving their places at a wide range of Universities and third level institutions.

“These results demonstrate that the school continues to provide high quality education to students in Limavady and the wider Roe Valley area and more importantly that students feel challenged and supported to achieve their very best.”

Students were able to access their exam results online on Thursday, however, many opted to go to their schools to get their grades.