The share of Northern Ireland A-level entries awarded the two highest grades has risen in 2026, according to provisional results published after pupils began receiving their grades on Thursday morning.
A total of 30.7% of A-level entries were awarded A* or A, compared with 30.3% in 2025. The A* grade alone accounted for 8.8% of entries, or roughly one in every 12.
More than 26,000 students received A-level, AS-level and BTEC results across Northern Ireland on Thursday. Results became available online from 8am, while schools and colleges also opened for pupils collecting grades and seeking advice.
Mathematics remained the most popular A-level subject in Northern Ireland. More than one-third of entries were in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.
The figures provide the first broad picture of this summer’s outcomes. They update the earlier timetable information confirming that GCE and CoPE results would be released to candidates on 13 August.
Students considering university, further education, apprenticeships, training or employment can access impartial guidance through the Northern Ireland Careers Service. Support is also available for pupils whose results differ from the grades required for their intended next step.
GCSE and vocational results are scheduled for release next Thursday, 20 August. Schools, colleges and careers advisers are expected to provide further support through the second major results day of the summer.