More than 26,000 students in Northern Ireland received their A-level, AS-level and BTec results on Thursday. Provisional figures released by exam boards showed 30.7 per cent of A-level students achieved grade A* or A, up from 30.3 per cent in 2025.

The proportion of entries awarded the top A grade rose slightly to 8.8 per cent, compared with 8.7 per cent last year. The overall pass rate at grades A to E increased to 98.9 per cent, from 98.7 per cent in 2025. There were 33,824 A-level entries in total.

More than a third of A-level entries, 38.2 per cent, were in STEM subjects. Mathematics remained the most popular subject, accounting for one in every 10 entries. AS-level entries increased by 0.2 per cent to 43,582, with 27.6 per cent of AS students achieving grade A, up from 27.1 per cent in 2025. The AS pass rate at grades A to E was 96.6 per cent, slightly down from 96.7 per cent.

At St Joseph's College in Fermanagh, the 2026 A-level cohort recorded a 96 per cent pass rate at grades A to E. The school said 89 per cent of students achieved three A to E grades. Students are moving on to university courses, third-level programmes, apprenticeships and employment. Principal Helena Palmer described the results as positive and praised the students' hard work. She also thanked staff, parents and carers for their support.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sir Chris Bryant congratulated all students receiving results. He said the increase in top grades reflected the hard work of students, teachers and families. He highlighted that routes after school include traditional university degrees, higher-level apprenticeships and direct entry to the workforce.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald encouraged young people to speak to a careers adviser when considering next steps. The Department for the Economy's Careers Service has 78 advisers available. Students and parents can contact the service by phone on 0300 200 7820 or via the nidirect careers website. Telephone and webchat support is available Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Education Minister Paul Givan visited students at Friends' School Lisburn and said the results demonstrated the strength of Northern Ireland's education system. He also referenced ongoing reforms to replace standalone AS levels with a modular A-level, with the new curriculum out for consultation.

Gerry Campbell, chief executive of the CCEA exams board, congratulated all students who received results. He said the results marked a significant milestone and reflected dedication, resilience and hard work. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union NAHT, also congratulated students and said it was vital that post-16 education offers genuine choice.