Slight rise in percentage of students receiving top GCSE grades in NI

More than 32,000 students received their results on Thursday morning.

The percentage of top GSCEs grades awarded in Northern Ireland has increased slightly.

Some 31.7% of entries achieved A and A* grades compared with 31.6% in 2025.

The percentage was 30.5% in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

Female students continue to outperform males, with the gap at the top grade level increasing slightly this year.

The percentage of females achieving grades A and A* was 36.2% – up from 36.1% in 2025 – while the percentage of males securing top grades was 26.8% – down from 26.9% last year.

The ratio of students securing top grades in Northern Ireland is significantly higher than in England and Wales.

The percentage achieving grades A* to C in Northern Ireland was also up slightly, from 83.5% last year to 83.6% this year.

In the English language GSCE, around a quarter of entries gained top A grades – 25.4%. This was up slightly on the 25.1% last year.

In maths, the percentage achieving A grades was 27.1% – no change on 2025.

More than 32,000 students across the region received their results on Thursday morning.

Gerry Campbell, chief executive of awarding body CCEA, offered a message of congratulations to the students.

“These achievements reflect your hard work, resilience and determination throughout your studies, and you should feel incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished,” he said.

“Today marks an important milestone as many of you begin to make decisions about your next steps. Whatever path you choose, the commitment you have shown will serve you well.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders and educators who have supported students with such dedication. I am also deeply grateful to our examiners, moderators and the entire CCEA team, whose professionalism ensures that results are delivered with fairness, accuracy and care.

“Well done to every student receiving results today. I wish you success, confidence and fulfilment in the opportunities that lie ahead.”