A TEACHING union has called for a review of the exam qualification system as thousands of pupils today receive their GCSE results.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said "young people deserve a system which helps them to flourish and achieve in a wide range of academic and vocational subjects".
"The current GCSE system is not succeeding in doing that," said general secretary Paul Whiteman.
Almost 30,000 pupils across the north will receive their GCSE grades after sitting exams for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year almost 40 per cent of GSCE entries in Northern Ireland were awarded A or A* grades.
The proportion of entries awarded top grades by teachers increased by 3.6 percentage points to 39.9 per cent.
But similar to the pattern with A-level results, published last week, it is expected grades will drop below last year, but remain above those from 2019.
Fewer top grades are predicted compared with 2021, but more than the number awarded in 2019.
Tests were cancelled over the past two years due to the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Whiteman said pupils have faced significant upheaval.
"Their courses have been marred by disruption due to Covid-19, which has made things a lot tougher for them than for some previous years," he said.
"We know from our members just how hard both students and school staff have worked to achieve today’s results. The impact of the pandemic has not been felt evenly by everyone - some students and some schools will have experienced more disruption than others. It is important that everyone bears this in mind and takes into account each student’s, and each school’s, particular circumstances."
But Mr Whiteman also said "it is now time to reflect and to make changes to our qualification system".
"The GCSE resit policy forces young people into a round of re-sits when an alternative qualification would better meet their needs," he said.
"Young people deserve a system which helps them to flourish and achieve in a wide range of academic and vocational subjects.
"The current GCSE system is not succeeding in doing that."
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), has set up a dedicated results helpline to offer advice and guidance.
Leah Scott, CCEA’s acting interim chief executive, said: "This has been a particularly challenging time for everyone involved as we returned to the first full year of public examinations since 2019.
"Our dedicated helpline and experienced staff will be available to provide support with any queries students may have about their CCEA results.
"I would encourage any student to reach out to us or speak to their school if they need guidance or further information."
Anyone with queries regarding CCEA results can call 028 9026 1260 or email helpline@ccea.org.uk.
