A MASSIVE increase in maths entries has helped the subject become the most popular among the north's A-level pupils for the first time.
Exams chiefs are excited both by the significant rise in entries in the core subject and the strong performance of maths students - almost half received either an A* or A.
The publication of A-level results yesterday showed an increase in numbers taking A-levels in Northern Ireland, driven by the notable rise in maths.
The subject now accounts for one in 10 of all Northern Ireland A-level entries.
Overall, entries rose 2.5 per cent from 31,600 in 2014 to 32,390 this year.
Results remained relatively stable compared to previous years.
The percentage achieving the top A* grade increased slightly while there was a small decline in the proportion achieving A*-A and A*-C. The proportion of A*-E grades was almost identical.
The dip in performance at A*-A is a result of the ability range of sixth formers widening.
While pupil numbers have been falling generally, there have been increased numbers remaining in school into sixth form.
The actual numbers scoring top marks have been remaining roughly the same over the past few years, but there are now more pupils entering who are achieving lesser grades, pushing the overall percentage at the top down.
This year, nine of the top 10 subjects with the best performance were either science, technology, engineering and maths (stem) subjects or languages.
Almost two out of every three entries in further maths received an A* or A. Slightly more than half of Irish entries were awarded one of the top two grades. There were also strong performances in German, chemistry, Spanish and physics.
Participation in the stem subjects also remained strong. Along with maths, there were increases in numbers taking design and technology and ICT.
There was also an increase this year in the number of girls taking stem A-levels, with increases in biology (up 5.7 per cent), chemistry (3.3), physics (2.1) and maths (10.6).
The north again outperformed the UK except at A* while girls again outperformed boys. While females still account for the majority of A* grades awarded (7.8 per cent), this year the percentage of males achieving the highest grade rose by 0.6 percentage points to 7.4 per cent.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has set up a dedicated examinations helpline which offers advice and guidance for the thousands of students who are expecting their A-level and GCSE results over the next fortnight.
CCEA chief executive Justin Edwards said this year's excellent results were the culmination of pupils' dedication to study and the support of their teachers over the last two years.
"We're pleased to see the considerable growth in students choosing to study mathematics at A-level. This makes the subject the most popular choice in Northern Ireland," he said.
"Mathematics provides access to a wide range of educational pathways and careers. While entries in this subject have grown across all three countries, in Northern Ireland that growth has been notably strong.
"It's also encouraging to see that more female students are choosing A-levels in stem."
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Northern Ireland A-level entries and results
2015 2014 2013
Entries 32,390 31,600 32,836
%A* 7.6 7.3 7.2
%A*- A 29.3 29.9 30.7
%A* - E 98.2 98.1 98.2