‘Vast majority’ of Ulidia’s university-bound pupils secure places

Grades this year, a school statement noted, were awarded by examination boards such as CCEA in Northern Ireland using a statistical model to determine outcomes due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In many instances Ulidia pupils excelled as expected, but in other cases CCEA awarded grades well below the Centre Assessed Grade provided by the school staff.

The vast majority of pupils who wished to continue on to university have gained places on their preferred courses with one or two more waiting to hear later today, the school added.

Michael Houston, principal, said: “Whilst I am very pleased that our students’ pathways to university and into careers have not been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, I am sure there will be a significant number of appeals against examination boards in the weeks and months ahead.

“The learning community in Carrickfergus is thriving and I wish to also congratulate those students from Carrickfergus Grammar and Carrickfergus Academy who have studied one of their A Levels with us, and have also achieved excellent results.

“On behalf of the board of governors and staff, may I say very well done and wish all of our students every future success.”

Meanwhile, Education Minister Peter Weir has congratulated A level and AS level students across Northern Ireland who received results today and acknowledged the exceptional circumstances in which they have been awarded.

At A level 86.4% of entries were awarded the highest grades of A*-C, a 1.6 percentage point increase on 2019 outcomes. At AS level, 79.3% were awarded grades A-C, a 2.2 percentage point increase on last year.

Following the cancellation of exams in March, the Department of Education said it commissioned CCEA to provide advice on a broad range of options that would ensure students were awarded grades that were fair and robust, and would allow them to progress to the next stage of their education or career.

Grades, the department added, have been awarded this year based on a combination of teacher professional judgement, prior pupil achievement and a statistical standardisation process. A level grades are entirely based on individual performance data without adjustments according to school attended.

Mr Weir said: “A range of experts and stakeholders, including representatives of head teachers, teaching unions, employing authorities and the Education and Training Inspectorate were consulted before decisions on the alternative awarding arrangements were finalised.

“CCEA and the Department also worked closely with counterparts in England and Wales to ensure comparability of qualifications.”

The Minister continued: “It was important that this year’s awards were comparable to those awarded in past years and recognised as equally valid to avoid any long-term detrimental impact on the future prospects of this cohort of young people.

“Full credit must go to teachers and school leaders who very quickly produced the professional judgements required and submitted these to CCEA within the very tight deadlines set.

“However, for those not happy with the outcome I would emphasise that the results today are provisional, and there is an appeals process available.”

Details of the appeals process can be found on the CCEA website.

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