AS and A-level: Pupils across Northern Ireland to receive results

AS and A-level: Pupils across Northern Ireland to receive results

Northern Ireland will see the introduction of a new A-level qualification in 2029, after which the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) will discontinue offering a separate AS-level qualification. This change aligns with the broader educational reforms known as TransformED, which have been implemented under the guidance of Education Minister Paul Givan.

Data from the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) reveals a modest decline in the number of young people from Northern Ireland applying for university in recent years. In 2022, the application rate among 18-year-olds stood at 52.8%, but this figure had decreased to 49.1% by 2026. Universities utilize a system called clearing, which helps applicants who were not successful in gaining places at their preferred institutions to secure alternative university courses.

Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), which allow students to combine paid employment with studying, have gained popularity as an alternative pathway. The Department of Economy reported that over 2,100 students enrolled in HLA courses at Further Education colleges in Northern Ireland during the 2024/25 academic year, reflecting the growing interest in this option.

For those awaiting results or seeking career advice, CCEA will provide a results helpline operating from Thursday 13 August to Wednesday 26 August on 028 9026 1260. Additionally, the Department for the Economy offers an online careers advice service and support via telephone at 0300 200 7820. It is also important to note that GCSE results are scheduled for release on Thursday 20 August

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