Commenting as students in Northern Ireland received the results of A levels and vocational qualifications today, Jackie Bartley, president of school leaders' union NAHT Northern Ireland, said:

“This is a fantastic set of results, achieved despite the return to pre-pandemic grading.

“It is testament to the hard work and resilience of all students after all the disruption they faced midway through their time at secondary school, and the determination of teachers and school and college leaders to help them get through this difficult period and catch-up on lost learning."

Dr Graham Gault, national secretary of school leaders' union NAHT Northern Ireland, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their exam results in Northern Ireland today.

"These grades are the result of a huge amount of hard work by both students and school staff. Everyone should be very proud of their achievements.

“The results students receive today are not only an acknowledgement of their achievements but also a passport to the next stage of their lives. Whatever their grades or hopes for the future, there are so many options available to them on the path ahead, whether that leads to further study, training or employment.

“This year marked a return to pre-pandemic grading in Northern Ireland, so simplistic comparisons with previous years’ results are unhelpful. The pandemic caused huge short-term disruption to grading – and the headline figures do not tell the full story of the experiences of students or their schools and colleges. Young people have worked incredibly hard through all the upheaval they faced in the early part of the decade to reach this point.”

NB: NAHT NI president, Jackie Bartley, who is also a principal at a large post-primary school, is available for interview. Please contact pressoffice@naht.org.uk to make arrangements.