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Ruane and Empey congratulate A and AS level students

20 August 2009

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, today congratulated students who have received their A and AS level results.

Visiting Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle and St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan, the Education Minister said: “Congratulations to all the young people who have received their A and AS Levels today. They are the culmination of years of hard work and are well deserved. The results also demonstrate the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our teachers who have encouraged our young people to strive and reach their full potential.

“Sadly there are some students who did not get the results they had hoped for but I would tell them to explore as many opportunities as possible. There are still plenty of options open to them and alternative routes for them to take in order to pursue their desired career.

“I wish everyone every success for their future. This is an important milestone in your life and I would advise you to follow your dream and to consider all your available options before embarking on your chosen career.”

84.6% of entries at A-Level here have achieved grades A–C, a slight increase of 0.2% from 2008 demonstrating that standards are being maintained and improved on. The top A grade was awarded to 34.5% of pupils, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year.

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: “So many of our young people have achieved the grades they needed for their chosen pathways and they deserve our congratulations.

"However, there will be some students who are disappointed with their results and are now concerned about their future. I want to reassure you and your parents or guardians that help and advice are on hand. My Department’s Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified Careers Advisers offering free, impartial, careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults. Visit www.careersserviceni.com external link for a wealth of useful information and the location of your nearest Careers Office.

“I would encourage young people to investigate all options open to them. Our Further Education colleges offer a wide variety of foundation degrees and vocational qualifications and further study may prove beneficial, especially in these tough economic times. Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future.”

For those seeking information and advice on any issues relating to their exam results for example, appeals, remarks, re-sits you can contact your exam centre or the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk. For those who did better or less well than expected, there may still be opportunities available through the UCAS clearing system and information, advice and guidance on what to do next is available from the Careers Service at 028 9044 1781 or at www.careersserviceni.com external link or http://www.nidirect.gov.uk external link and also the Aimhigher website at www.aimhigher.ac.uk external link

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. All available statistics are provisional and are subject to appeals, re-marks and, in the case of AS Levels, the cashing-in of awards.

2. Figures cover all candidates, irrespective of the examining body for the examinations.

3. 98.4% of pupils got a grade A-E which is an increase of 0.2% from the previous year. Further statistics can be accessed on the Department of Education website: http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/80-curriculum-and-assessment/115-curriculum-and-assessment-qualifications-pg.htm

4. Media queries to Press Office, Department of Education, 028 9127 9207 or Press Office, Department for Employment and learning, Tel 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.