From sixth form to Formula 1: A-levels mark new chapter

Isabelle and Hollie got their A-level results at Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, County Down

A-level results in Northern Ireland in 2025 are broadly similar to those in 2024, with around 30.4% of entries awarded A* or A grades in 2025 compared to 30.3% in 2024.

That was widely expected as grades returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Around one in every twelve (8.7%) A-levels in Northern Ireland has been awarded at the top A* grade.

Among the 25,000 students who received A-level, AS-level and BTec results on Thursday was Bangor Academy student Harry, who is hoping to pursue a career in Formula 1.

He is taking a less traditional approach after finishing school and there were no nerves as he had secured a job ahead of results day.

He said it was a "good day" as he found out he achieved two As and a C.

"In September I'm moving to Milton Keynes to work for the Red Bull Formula 1 team," he said.

"Back in March I interviewed for an electronics job and I managed to get into the final five out of the select group for interviews.

"I'll be working on the Formula 1 cars, maybe get to a few races in the next few years.

"I studied engineering, IT and applied science so three sort of STEM subjects. I always knew this is the way I wanted to go, so the school really helped me."

Harry had already secured a job ahead of results day

Education Minister Paul Givan told BBC News NI's The Nolan Show he was delighted with the results.

He said Northern Ireland had a "really good performance" in comparison to other parts of the UK as nearly 86% of pupils in received A* to C grades, while the figures for England and Wales were just under 78%.

He praised the work of pupils, teachers and families, describing it as a "tremendous tribute" to young people.

"The results are very similar to where we were last year and I think that is actually something to be celebrated," he added.

Caitlin is set to begin a dental nursing apprenticeship

There were lots of smiles at St Mary's College in Londonderry as the deputy head girl collected her results.

Caitlin is set to begin a dental nursing apprenticeship in the city.

"It was something I found only a couple of months ago and then I really liked it," Caitlin said.

"I hope to progress to dental hygiene eventually, or perhaps explore another specialty."

Overall, Fabiha was pleased with her results after she passed ICT and health and social care.

She plans to become a midwife which has always been her passion.

"I have a big family and I've always been a caregiver," she said.

Fabiha is heading off to do her dream course in midwifery

There was an element of disappointment for Abigail after she also collected her results at Bangor Academy.

She told BBC News NI she was "happy that she did it, but disappointed by her results".

Abigail is disappointed with her results

She failed her moving image arts exams, but passed film and ITC - and for her it is those that matter.

She is hoping to get into film, either in front or behind the camera.

"They're making so much in Northern Ireland now," she said as she shared her hopes to capitalise on the growing film industry.

Rachel is heading to Ulster University to study cinematic arts

Rachel, a student at Parkhall Integrated College in Antrim, got two A*s and a C and is heading to Ulster University Magee's campus to study cinematic arts.

"I got higher than I expected in one and a little bit lower in another so quite the range! But I'm still happy I got in so I don't care," she said.

She said she was not nervous about going to university but was quite concerned about travelling.

"I'm more nervous about the train I don't get trains often so that's really what I'm nervous about!" she said.

Harrison was feeling incredibly nervous as he opened his results envelope

Harrison, also a Parkhall Integrated College student, said waiting for the results was "stomach turning".

"Felt like I was going to throw up everywhere and then holding the envelope and looking at all my teachers thinking 'aww no I can't do this, I don't want to do this'," he said.

He is heading to Liverpool John Moores University to study maths after getting three Bs.

"I keep thinking maybe I should have done better but it's all good and I am happy… if I had to go back on this year I would not change a single thing," he said.

Max said he "basically collapsed" when he received his results

Max, another student at Bangor Academy, said he "basically collapsed" when he received a distinction in double award science BTec and a C in music.

"Music definitely is my passion, on the sidelines I hope to be in my own band and be big," he told BBC News NI.

"Singing was my main instrument, but I also play piano.

"I have a lot of emotions , nervous, happy, sad to be leaving Bangor Academy. I would love to come back and teach here."

'Don't panic'

Deputy vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Prof Paul Seawright, told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that anyone who hoped to go to university but received grades they were not expecting, there were plenty of options available.

"Some students may not get the grades they were hoping for, and I know that can be disappointing," Prof Seawright said.

"Slow down – don't panic – clearing is open, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore."

Deputy vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Prof Paul Seawright, says there are plenty of options available for young people receiving results

He urged students not to "react in a knee-jerk way" if their results are unexpected.

"You may have planned to study one subject, but you could still pursue something very similar – perhaps at a different campus, or as part of a joint course with another subject," he said.

For those who have achieved their required grades and plan to go to university, Prof Seawright emphasised the importance of acting quickly to secure their place.

"As soon as you get your results, log in to your UCAS portal or check your emails to confirm your place and arrange your accommodation," Prof Seawright said.

"Get the ball rolling before you start celebrating."

What options are there if you didn't get the results you expected?

Maths was again the most popular A-level subject in Northern Ireland in 2025, with over one in ten students taking it.

The rest of the top five most popular subjects were biology, health and social care, history and business studies.

Overall, more than a third of A-Levels taken in Northern Ireland in 2024 were in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

Similar trends at AS-Level

At AS-Level, trends were similar to A-Level, with over a quarter of entries awarded an A-grade in 2025.

Almost nine in every ten AS-Level and A-Level entries in Northern Ireland are made through the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) exams board.

The majority of A-level and AS-level qualifications are taken through the Northern Ireland exams board CCEA, though some students will also receive grades from English and Welsh exam boards.

Students will use their AS, A-level and BTec results to apply to university or Further Education (FE) colleges, begin an apprenticeship or seek work.

According to the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), there has been a rise in the number of young people in Northern Ireland who have applied to go to university in 2025.

UCAS said that just under 17,500 18-year-olds in Northern Ireland had applied to go to university in the UK by the 30 June 2025, an increase of 1.5% on 2024.

CCEA will operate a results helpline from Thursday until Wednesday, 27 August on 028 9026 1260.

There will also be a dedicated results area on CCEA's website.

The Department for the Economy's careers service is also operating an online advice service or by telephoning 0300 200 7820.

Pupils will receive GCSE results on Thursday 21 August.