More than 25,000 NI students get results

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.

Ellie McBride, 18, went to Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, County Antrim.

Speaking before the results were released, she told BBC News NI that she was “not too sure” how she would do.

“I have built a false sense of security,” she said.

Ellie said she “never really liked school” but felt A-levels were “more relaxed than GCSEs”.

“I struggled quite a lot because my subjects were quite hard,” she said.

Ellie plans to go on to do a higher level apprenticeship.

George McCurdy, who went to Ballycastle High School, said: “I am feeling a wee bit nervous, I don’t know what’s in store for me.

“I think A-levels were easier than GCSEs as you have more time and there wasn’t as much stress to get work done.”

The 18-year-old plans to “take a wee break from education” but might “revisit the university option in a year’s time”.

Deputy vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Prof Paul Seawright, told BBC 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.