A-level results: Northern Ireland boys outperform girls at A* for first time

Boys have outperformed girls at the top A-level grade for the first time since it was introduced in Northern Ireland.
(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper
(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper

They overtook girls by 0.4% at the A* grade, which was first awarded in 2010.

The performance gap between the genders also narrowed at the A*-A grade boundary, and it follows concerted efforts to address the disparity by education authorities.

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There was a small increase in those awarded the top grade, with just under a tenth earning an A*.

(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper
(l-r) Campbell College pupils Andy Dong, Karl Hawthorne, Ross Miley, Dan Stevenson, Robbie Jamison and Callum Jones celebrating their A-level results. Picture: Michael Cooper

Around 30,000 pupils received their A-level and AS results on Thursday morning.

The number of A-level entries declined this year by 5.8%, in line with demographics.

Mathematics was the most popular subject, with one in 10 studying it, closely followed by biology, religious studies, English literature and history.

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More than a third of entries involved science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. There was a small increase in the overall proportion of Stem entries, up to 40.1% this year.

The proportion taking languages decreased slightly, mainly due to a fall in Spanish entries. Music and performing arts saw an increase.

A new life and health sciences qualification proved popular, particularly with girls. Computing subjects saw a rise in entries.

Justin Edwards, chief executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland, said: "Once again, Northern Ireland's students have performed well, with a steady and strong performance across all grades.

"The results are also recognition of the dedication and support provided by

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