THERE were scenes of nerves, joy and relief as pupils from across Belfast received their GCSE results on Thursday morning.
At De La Salle College in Andersonstown the boys were in good spirits as they received their results.
Trea McFarlane said: "I am absolutely delighted with my results. The hard work paid off. I wasn't nervous at all. I had a good night's sleep last night.
"I got the highest grade I could in Spanish, A in English Lit and B in English. I am coming back to do A Levels in English, Politics and Media. I'm going to take it easy for the rest of the day."
Reece Naan said: "I am very happy with my results. I got a range of As, Bs, Cs and C*s. I am coming back for A Levels so I am pleased about that."
Codey Devlin said: "I did well. I was very nervous beforehand. I am coming back to do A Levels in English, English Lit, Business and one other.
"I am going to go out for a bit of food with my mates later."
Acting Principal Aine Armstrong said she was "delighted" with the results at the school, following on from the college's best ever set of A Level results a week ago.
"It is a really positive for the boys. These pupils were in Year 8 when Covid hit so we knew there would be a lot of challenges along the way.
De La Salle College Acting Principal Aine Armstrong
"We are delighted with the progress they have made. When we look at predicted grades against their results today and we are delighted.
"It is all about creating pathways for the boys. A lot will come back for A Levels in September.
"There are a lot of wonderful individual stories today. This is a community effort. We are not a school building on our own. Our staff are wonderful and have such a high level skillset. Our parents are also with us every step of the way as well as other agencies and today is the result of all that hard work."
Over at St Louise's Comprehensive College, Aoibhinn Press was in shock after achieving an outstanding 9 A*s.
"I am so happy. All the hard work really paid off. I was really nervous coming in today," she said.
Aoibhinn Press
"It is hard at the minute to comprehend my results. I really can't believe it.
"I am coming back to do A Levels in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Irish so I am really looking forward to it.
"I am going to celebrate with my friends and go out in town for a nice dinner."
Olivia McDonagh added: "I did really well. I got four As and five Bs.
"I got what I needed to come back for A Levels so I am really happy about that. I am going to do Business Studies, Economics and Geography.
St Louise's pupils
"I was nervous walking into school this morning but all the hard work really paid off. I am looking forward to seeing my friends later to celebrate."
St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School on the Glen Road saw 91 per cent of pupils achieving at least five passes at grades A*–C or equivalent.
There were some exceptional individual performances across the Year 12 cohort including Alan Yu Xuan and Kealan McCrea.
Principal Mr Brendan McComb said: “GCSE results day is always an important occasion at St Mary’s and I am delighted to see our pupils celebrating the rewards of their hard work. There have been some exceptional individual performances, alongside achievements across the year group of which pupils and their families can be very proud.
“Our staff have invested a huge amount of time and energy in supporting these pupils throughout their GCSE studies, and I want to thank them for their commitment. Parents and guardians have also played an invaluable role, providing encouragement and support throughout what can be a demanding two years.
“For many of our Year 12 pupils, the next step will be sixth form here at St Mary’s. Others will pursue new opportunities elsewhere. We congratulate them all on what they have achieved and wish them every success in whatever path they choose.”
In North Belfast, Hazelwood Integrated College announced its highest-performing set of GCSE results to date. Demonstrating exceptional commitment and academic achievement an impressive 95 per cent of students achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A*–C.
Individual subject achievements were equally strong, with 68 per cent of candidates securing A*–C in English and 73 per cent achieving A*–C in Mathematics. Further highlighting this year's success, 57 per cent of students attained at least 5 A*–C grades including both GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics.
Expressing pride in the students' accomplishments, Principal Alix Jackson commended both the cohort and the wider school community:
“I share deeply in the pride felt by so many parents, carers, and families today as we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our Year 12 pupils.
"These fantastic GCSE results are a direct reflection of their perseverance, hard work, and determination.
"I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose tireless guidance, support and high standards have helped our students reach their full potential.”
Edmund Rice College in Glengormley is also celebrating a landmark year, marking the start of its 50th anniversary in 2026/27 with its best-ever set of GCSE results.
The record-breaking results saw 99 per cent of pupils achieve five or more GCSEs, while 73 per cent achieved both English and Mathematics, the highest figure in the school’s history.
Principal Mr Paul Berne expressed his delight at the achievements and praised the hard work and commitment of pupils, staff and families.
“This is our greatest set of GCSE results, and I am over the moon for all our pupils and staff. They have created an incredible culture of learning and demonstrated a great desire to succeed.
Delight at Edmund Rice
"Teachers gave up their evenings on a weekly basis and part of their Easter break to organise, prepare and deliver additional revision classes, providing pupils with valuable extra support and learning opportunities, even during their holidays.
"The commitment shown by pupils was equally impressive, with many choosing to give up part of their Easter break to attend revision sessions and make the most of the additional opportunities provided by staff.
"This shared commitment between pupils and staff demonstrated the determination and desire to succeed that has become a defining feature of the school.
“I am delighted for the whole school community as these results are outstanding. Our pupils have shown an incredible desire to succeed and our staff have worked tirelessly to support them every step of the way.”
