Students from across the district received their GCSE results today (August 12), which were determined by teachers using their professional judgement using a range of evidence following the absence of exams due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Figures released this morning by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQCIC) show Northern Ireland’s GCSE students continued to perform well and have demonstrated remarkable resilience in an exceptional year.
This achievement by students is recognition of their hard work and resilience in overcoming the many challenges and disruption brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the cancellation of examinations in January by the Education Minister, GCSE grades have subsequently been determined by teachers using a range of evidence.
The grades awarded reflect the actual work completed by the students, accounting for the varying levels of disruption experienced by schools, colleges, and individual students.
Throughout Northern Ireland, teachers demonstrated great commitment and effort to ensure that students have been able to progress on to the next stage of their journey this year, be it further education, employment or training.
Commenting today (Thursday) on this summer’s GCSE results, Margaret Farragher, Interim Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), said: “Congratulations to all those receiving their GCSE results this morning.
“Students have had to deal with unprecedented challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic began and I hope that they can take pride in their achievements.
"In congratulating students, we must also commend our teachers for their commitment, professionalism, and the critical role they played in delivering the curriculum and determining the GCSE grades this year in the most challenging of circumstances.”