22 August 2001

MINISTERS WELCOME EXAMINATION RESULTS

Martin McGuinness MP MLA, Education Minister and Dr Sean Farren, Minister for Education and Learning, today welcomed the announcement that local pupils have achieved improved results in this year’s GCSE, GNVQ and Entry Level Qualifications.

Mr McGuinness said: "I want to congratulate all our students on the high standards achieved in this year’s examinations. While we do not have details of the results for all our pupils it is clear that examination results have again, this year, improved across the spectrum of grades.

"The improvement in results is recognition of the commitment of our young people with the vital support and encouragement of their teachers and parents. These results provide a firm basis on which pupils can make their choices for the future whether they decide to continue with school, go into Further Education or training or take up employment and I wish them every success."

Mr McGuinness also referred to the grading error which occurred in one particular exam: "I sympathise very much with those pupils who have been affected by the grading error which occurred in GCSE Home Economics and I regret the additional stress this has caused. CCEA is conducting a full investigation into how this error occurred and my Department will want to be assured that appropriate steps will be taken to avoid any re-occurrence."

Dr Farren said: "I would like to add my congratulations to this year’s students for the commendable performances achieved. We are now very much in the Lifelong Learning society and I would encourage all students whether they did well, or did not achieve the grades they hoped for, to explore the various options available for continuing education or taking up a suitable training programme.

"Students may wish to discuss their options further and, if so, the Training and Employment Agency Careers Officers are on hand to offer objective and tailored advice. Anyone who wants to may arrange an appointment with a Careers Officer at their local JobCentre by calling in or using the Freephone number 0800 353530."

Media contact: Anne Martin on 028 9127 9701 or 07810 521075.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The results are provisional and are subject to enquiry or appeal. Final results will be available later this year.