PUPILS across Belfast have been celebrating their success after receiving their A Level results on Thursday morning.
Over 26,000 students received their A-level, AS-level and BTEC results.
At All Saints College in Beechmount, there was a real buzz in the school hall as pupils congregated to share results.
Amongst the success stories are twins Matthew and Christopher Gallagher who are both heading to Ulster University and Darragh McCann who is off to study a degree in International Relations and Politics at Queen's University Belfast.
Ciarán Dempsey achieved three A*s in Business, IT and Sport Studies and is off to study Business at Ulster University.
"I am delighted," he said.
Ciaran Dempsey with Principal Damien Coyle
"I am really looking forward to the next step in my journey. It will be a new way of life and education but I am excited for it.
"I worked really hard. I put the head down over the last two years and thankfully it paid off."
Principal Damien Coyle praised the pupils, their parents and staff at the school for all their hard work.
"We more than doubled the pupils who achieved grades A-C grades. It is a reflection of all the hard work at the school from both the pupils themselves and all of our staff and of course the parents," he explained.
"The number of revision classes that took place before and after school, during lunchtime and even on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We also have a mentoring programme which we think has had a significant impact on results.
"This is the result of all that hard work.
"All we want is for pupils to get what they deserve. Pupils who work hard will achieve and that is the message we send to every year group at the school."
St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School on the Glen Road is celebrating another rise in its A Level and Level 3 results, with 84.2% of pupils achieving at least three passes at grades A*–C or equivalent.
The results build on the significant progress made in recent years, with the headline figure rising from 81 per cent last year to 84.2 per cent this year and continuing an impressive upward trend in achievement at St Mary’s.
There were a number of notable individual performances among the Year 14 cohort. Eamon Browne led the way with 4 A*s and a Merit, while Johnny Quinn achieved a Distinction*, Distinction, B and C and Caoimhin Kelly secured a Distinction* and 2 Distinctions.
Strong results were also achieved by Brendan McMorrow (A, 2 Bs and C), Theo Symington (2 A*s and B), Liam Connolly (2 As and a Distinction), Darragh Devine (A*, A and B), Conor Flanagan (Distinction*, Distinction and B) and Aaron Flynn (3 As).
Principal Mr Brendan McComb said the results were a source of great pride for the school.
“I am delighted with this year’s results and immensely proud of what our pupils have achieved. To see our headline figure rise again to 84.2%, following the progress made last year, is particularly pleasing.
“The results reflect the determination of our pupils and the expertise and commitment of our teaching and support staff. I also want to thank our parents and guardians. Their encouragement and support throughout their sons’ time at St Mary’s plays an important part in days like today.
“Above all, this is a day for our Year 14 pupils to enjoy what they have achieved. We congratulate them and wish them every success as they move on to university, further education, apprenticeships, employment and whatever comes next.”
Over at St Malachy's College on the Antrim Road, it was smiles all round in the courtyard as pupils celebrated their results.
Daire Hughes is celebrating three A*s and is off to Queen's University Belfast to study a degree in Medicinal Chemistry.
"I am really happy. It was a tough few months waiting on the results but I am glad it all worked out in the end," he said.
"I am really looking forward to university.
"I am going to go out for dinner with the family tonight to celebrate."
Cillian Gorman achieves four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and English Literature.
"I am going to Queen's to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering," he said. "I am delighted that the hard work paid off and I am looking forward to chilling out now for a bit."
Nathan Donnelly achieved an A* and two A's and is off to Queen's to study Law and Spanish.
"I improved my grades a lot from AS Level so I am delighted," he said. "University will be a different experience but I am really looking forward to it."
Lorcan McCann achieved three A's and is off to university in Sunderland to study Medicine.
"I was on a waiting list for the course and I found out I got in this morning with my results," he explained. "It was a nerve-wrecking few months but I am glad it is over and done with.
"I did Maths, Biology and Chemistry so they were three tough subjects but I really enjoyed them.
"It will probably take me a day or two to process everything but I am looking forward to university, a new challenge and making new friends."
Principal Deirdre McCusker said: "We are absolutely delighted with the boys. They have put a lot of hard work in over the last seven years.
"It is a brilliant picture of results and we are delighted that so many got the results they needed for university and other courses
"Many pupils can access their results online but many want to come into school this morning and share their results and joy with their friends and staff. There is a real buzz around the school."
There were also scenes of celebration at Edmund Rice College in Glengormley.
The Class of 2026 enjoyed a memorable morning, reflecting on years of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice as they celebrated exceptional achievements alongside proud families and dedicated staff, capping a year of significant success for the College.
Edmund Rice College were also delighted to welcome Deirdre Graffin, Senior Education Adviser from CCMS, who joined staff and students in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of this year's cohort.
Principal Mr Paul Berne praised the collective effort behind this year's success.
"Today is a day of celebration for our students, their families and our staff. Across the curriculum, we have seen excellent outcomes, with several departments achieving a 100 per cent pass rate at A*-C.
Edmund Rice College pupils with Principal Paul Berne
"This level of success reflects a culture of aspiration, hard work and excellence that is embedded throughout our school community and the progress we are making is phenomenal.
"While we celebrate the excellent grades achieved, we are equally proud of the confident, respectful and ambitious young adults our students have become during their journey at Edmund Rice College.
"On behalf of the entire school community, I congratulate all of our students on their achievements. We wish them every success and happiness as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives."
Across the North, around 30.7 per cent of A-level entries have been awarded A* or A grades in 2026 compared to 30.3 per cent in 2025.
Around one in every 12 (8.8 per cent) A-level entry has been awarded at the top A* grade.
