General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Students here still top of table

14/08/2008 :: Northern Ireland :: UTV News

Thousands of teenagers are receiving their A-Level results - and students here have once again outperformed their counterparts in England and Wales.

Just over 35 per cent of students in the province have achieved an A grade, compared to almost 26 per cent for English and Welsh students.

Northern Ireland girls gave again performed better than boys, although the gap has decreased at the A grade this year.

The number of people taking Biology and Chemistry exams went up this year, with mathematics remaining one of the most popular subjects.

GCSE pupils have another week to wait for the publication of their results.

Careers advisor Margaret McGuigan said pupils who don`t achieve the marks they`d hoped for shouldn`t panic.

"There will be options out there that suits their personal and career plan," she said.

She continued: "Just be pro-active, pick up the phone and call the university."

She said the clearing system could also offer the opportunity of alternative courses.

The service is offering advice to students on 028 9044 1781 or via www.careersserviceni.com