Commenting on results day for A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and other vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), Dr Graham Gault, director of school leaders' union, NAHT Northern Ireland, said:

“Congratulations to all students across Northern Ireland who are receiving their examination results today. These grades are the result of a huge amount of hard work in challenging circumstances, by both students and school staff. Everyone should be very proud of their achievements.

“Although we are seeing different A level results this year, this is not a reflection of the achievements of students, but simply a result of continued moves back towards pre-pandemic grading models. The numbers are a reflection of the system and not the students. Universities, employers and other providers know this and should take this into account when making decisions on places and offers.

“It is vital that everyone remembers that we cannot compare this year’s results with those from previous years. The student cohort, the context and the approach to grading has been different every year since 2019 so simplistic comparisons are unhelpful and will not tell the full story of the experiences of students or their schools and colleges.

“The results students receive today are not only an acknowledgement of their hard work and achievements but are a passport to the next stage of their lives. There are so many options available to them to get onto the path for their chosen futures whether that is through further study, training or employment.”