On a bright Thursday morning, August 21, 2025, more than 32,000 students across Northern Ireland awoke to the news that would shape the next stage of their young lives: the release of this year’s GCSE results. For many, the day arrived with a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and hope, as families, teachers, and friends gathered to support students opening those all-important envelopes. The results, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications and widely reported by outlets such as BBC News NI and the Evening Standard, reveal a story not just of numbers, but of resilience, shifting educational choices, and the evolving landscape of post-pandemic learning.
This year’s GCSE outcomes in Northern Ireland have been described as both stable and encouraging, with results essentially matching or slightly improving on those seen in 2024. According to the Joint Council for Qualifications, 31.6% of students achieved grade A/7 and above—up from 31.0% last year. The pass rate, defined as those achieving grade C/4 and above, edged up to 83.5% from 82.7%. These figures, as noted by the Evening Standard, signal a return to pre-pandemic levels, a notable achievement given the disruptions of recent years.
The total number of GCSE entries in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.1%, from 175,555 in 2024 to 173,675 in 2025, mirroring a 1.0% drop in the school-age population. Despite the slight decline in overall entries, the proportion of students attaining top marks has risen—an encouraging sign for educators and policymakers alike. In English Language, 25.1% of students achieved A/7 and above, up from 24.7% last year, with 84.0% earning grade C/4 or higher. Mathematics results held steady, with 27.1% achieving A/7 and above (down marginally from 27.8%), and 73.1% securing grade C/4 or above, almost identical to the previous year’s 73.0%.
STEM subjects continue to attract significant interest, accounting for 41.4% of all GCSE entries. This focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics reflects both local and global trends, as students and their families look toward future job markets and the skills in highest demand. The popularity of subjects like English Literature, Double Award Science, Religious Studies, Geography, and History remains strong, while newer trends show an uptick in entries for Construction and Health and Social Care. Language learning is also shifting, with entries for French declining but Spanish and Irish on the rise—almost 2,000 students sat for GCSE Irish and nearly 4,100 for Spanish, both higher than in previous years.
Girls once again outperformed boys overall, a pattern seen in previous years. More than 95% of GCSEs in Northern Ireland are sat through the CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment), with the rest taken via English and Welsh boards. This creates a unique grading landscape: Northern Ireland students may receive results as either letters (A-G) or numbers (9-1), depending on the exam board—a detail that can sometimes add to the confusion and nerves of results day.
Education Minister Paul Givan was quick to praise this year’s cohort, saying, “Pupils in Northern Ireland have once again delivered exceptional results and are continuing to outperform their peers in England and Wales.” He added, “The percentage of students achieving top grades A/7 and above, and those securing C/4 and above, has risen compared to 2024. This success reflects both the dedication of the students and the commitment and professionalism of teachers across Northern Ireland.” According to BBC News NI, Givan also highlighted the narrowing of the achievement gap between grammar and secondary schools, calling it “testimony to the pupils who have put in the hard work, supported by excellent teachers and the family circle as well.”
Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCEA, echoed these sentiments, congratulating students and expressing gratitude to the teachers, school leaders, and examiners who supported them. “These results represent the hard work, resilience and determination you’ve shown throughout your studies, and you should be proud of everything you’ve achieved,” Campbell said. “Today also marks a key milestone as many of you begin to make decisions about the future—whether that’s continuing in education, entering training, or stepping into the world of work.”
Behind the statistics are thousands of individual stories—of surprise, relief, and ambition. Sean, a student at St John the Baptist College in Portadown, summed up his experience: “You get your predicted results ahead of time, so you maybe get the odd let down or improvement.” Sean sat 12 GCSEs, earning an A, four As, six Bs, and a C*, and is considering a future in biomedical science. Georgina, another student, was delighted to have done better than expected. “I done really well, I done better than expected,” she said, describing the nerves that kept her awake the night before. Wiktoria, who hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry, said, “I done really well, I am actually so happy with my results.”
For many, the day was about more than just grades—it was a rite of passage. Lara, who hopes to study law or politics, shared, “I’m really not good at maths so I was delighted. I thought I’d get a D.” And for Niall, who plans to pursue A-levels in Maths, Biology, and Environmental Technology, the day brought relief: “I knew I put the work in, and the results show it today.”
Principals and teachers across the region celebrated their students’ achievements. Mrs. Noella Murray, headmistress at St John the Baptist College, called it “a momentous day,” adding, “It is really lovely for staff to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they get results.” At Saintfield High School, Principal Sarah-Lucy Hynds said the Education Minister’s visit sent “a very powerful message,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual excellence in all its forms.
As students consider their next steps, a growing number are looking beyond the traditional A-level route. Further education colleges are becoming a first choice for many, offering a wide array of qualifications, from BTECs to apprenticeships. Celine McCartan, principal and chief executive of South West College, observed, “There has been a notable shift in further education as a growing first choice among young people today. Our students go on to study at top universities, secure competitive apprenticeships, and enter industries that are in real need of skilled workers.”
Education Minister Paul Givan has plans to make it compulsory for young people to remain in education or training until age 18, with proposals potentially becoming law by March 2027. The move, supported by the majority of respondents in a recent consultation, aims to ensure that all young people have the skills and qualifications needed for a rapidly changing economy. Meanwhile, the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service and CCEA’s results helpline are on hand to provide guidance and support as students navigate their choices.
In the end, this year’s GCSE results in Northern Ireland tell a story of steady achievement, adaptability, and hope for the future. As students celebrate with friends and family, they do so knowing that their hard work has paid off—and that a world of opportunity now lies ahead.
