More than 25,000 NI students get results | UK News

More than 25,000 students are receiving their A-level and AS-level results in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The number of top A-level and AS-level grades awarded are expected to be similar to the years before the coronavirus pandemic.

That was the case in 2024, when about 30% of entries received the top A and A* grades, and 2025 is expected to be broadly similar.

Students in Northern Ireland will also receive results of some BTEC qualifications.

The majority of A-level and AS-level qualifications are taken through the Northern Ireland exams board CCEA, though some students will also receive grades from English and Welsh exam boards.

Many students can pick up their A and AS-level results online from 08:00 BST, but some will still go to their school to receive their results in person.

For Harry, a student at Bangor Academy, there were no nerves this morning as he had secured a job in Formula 1 ahead of results day.

He said it was a “good day” as he found out he achieved two A’s and a C.

“In September I’m moving to Milton Keynes to work for the Red Bull Formula 1 team. Back in March I interviewed for an electronics job and I managed to get into the final five out of the select group for interviews.

“I’ll be working on the Formula 1 cars, maybe get to a few races in the next few years,” he said.

“I studied engineering, IT and applied science so three sort of STEM subjects. I always knew this is the way I wanted to go, so the school really helped me.

“Everything I learnt in the classroom I was able to use in my assessments in the interview”.

Max, also a student at Bangor Academy, said he “basically collapsed” when he received a distinction in double award science BTEC and a C in music.

“Music definitely is my passion, on the sidelines I hope to be in my own band and be big,” he told News NI.

“Singing was my main instrument, but I also play piano.

“I have a lot of emotions , nervous, happy, sad to be leaving Bangor Academy. I would love to come back and teach here.”

Matthew Pitts Bangor Academy Principal said he has had a few “sleepless nights” ahead of results day.

“You want the best for every student you know, we’ve worked really hard with them… and they’ve worked really hard and put the work in and you just want them to be happy and feel good about themselves today,” Mr Pitts said.

“There’s lots of different pathways through so you know even if students aren’t happy with what they got they today, there’s obviously different options, different pathways, for them.

“We encourage them to explore the different things they can do.”

Deputy vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Prof Paul Seawright, told Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme that for anyone hoping to go to university but received grades they were not expecting, there are plenty of options available.

“Some students may not get the grades they were hoping for, and I know that can be disappointing,” Prof Seawright said.

“Slow down – don’t panic – clearing is open, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore.”

He urged students not to make snap decisions if their results are unexpected.

“Don’t react in a knee-jerk way,” he said.

“You may have planned to study one subject, but you could still pursue something very similar – perhaps at a different campus, or as part of a joint course with another subject.”

For those who have achieved their required grades and plan to go to university, Prof Seawright emphasised the importance of acting quickly to secure their place.

“As soon as you get your results, log in to your UCAS portal or check your emails to confirm your place and arrange your accommodation.

“Get the ball rolling before you start celebrating.”

In Northern Ireland in 2025, the most popular A-level subject was maths and other popular subjects included biology, geography, and health and social care.

Students will use their AS, A-level and BTEC results to apply to university or Further Education (FE) colleges, begin an apprenticeship or seek work.

According to the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), there has been a rise in the number of young people in Northern Ireland who have applied to go to university in 2025.

UCAS said that just under 17,500 18-year-olds in Northern Ireland had applied to go to university in the UK by the 30 June 2025, an increase of 1.5% on 2024.

CCEA will operate a results helpline from Thursday until Wednesday, 27 August on 028 9026 1260.

The Department for the Economy’s careers service is also operating an online advice service or by telephoning 0300 200 7820.

Pupils will receive GCSE results on Thursday 21 August.