Minister's welcome GCSE results
27 August 2009
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today congratulated young people on this year’s GCSE results.
A*-C grades were achieved by 75.1% of candidates, with 9.1%being awarded the top A* grade. This is respectively 0.6% and 0.2% higher than last year, demonstrating that high standards have, yet again, been maintained.
Commenting on the results, the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “These are excellent results and they show the determination of our young people to work to the best of their ability. Congratulations to all the students receiving results today. Teachers and parents have inspired and motivated our young people to work hard to achieve these results and they should also be congratulated for their hard work and dedication.
“Young people today are determined and committed to their education as they are more focused on their future career and pursuits. I wish everyone who received results over the past week, the best of luck in pursuing their career goals.”
“While these are excellent results, there are still too many young people leaving education without the necessary five GCSEs and that is why I have been implementing progressive reforms to improve the education system. We need an education system that will provide the skills and abilities so our young people will thrive and prosper.”
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone who has achieved or exceeded their desired results and I wish you well in your chosen pathways.
“However, some of you will not be as happy with the results as you would have expected. I would like to reassure you and indeed your parents or guardians that there is no need to panic. It is important to take stock and consider all the options. Do not make any hasty or rushed decisions. There are a number of options open and there is support available to help in the decision making process. These could include sixth form at your current or new school, enrolling on a course at your local further education college, following an apprenticeship or training program or gaining employment.
"My Department’s Careers Service will support you in making important decisions about your options. The Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified Careers Advisers. They offer impartial, careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults. As a first step you can log onto
www.careersserviceni.com 
to avail of a wealth of useful information and to locate your nearest Careers Office.
“I wish you every success and hope that you make wise and informed choices in your future careers."
Girls have continued to outperform boys at the top grade A* and at grades A* - C. 10.8% of girls received a grade A* compared to 7.2% of boys.
77.8% of girls achieved grades A*-C compared to 72.3% of boys.
Further GCSE performance figures can be accessed at the following web page:
Information on the Education Maintenance Allowance can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk Educational Maintenance Allowance is also available for those participating in the new Training for Success provision. For details on this funding see www.trainingforsuccess.info
NI Direct also has information on choosing a school, college or other options after age 16. Access NI Direct at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk
Anyone seeking information and advice on any issues relating to their exam results should contact their school or college or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk . For those whose results were better or not as good as expected, information, advice and guidance on what to do next is available from the Careers Service at 028 9044 1781 or at www.careersserviceni.com .
All available statistics are provisional and are subject to appeals and re-marks.
Notes to editors:
Media queries to: Press Office, Department of Education, Tel 028 9127 9207 or the Department for Employment and Learning, Tel 028 9025 7872. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
