O’Dowd hailsGCSE figuresin Coleraine

This proportion represents an increase of 9.7 percentage points since 2007/08, significantly higher than the increase across the north of Ireland as a whole, which was 5.7 percentage points.

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, welcomed the statistics as further proof that recent educational reforms are having a positive impact.

He said: “I very much welcome, therefore, these latest figures from the school leavers’ survey for last year which show that pupils from the Coleraine area are continuing to perform better, year on year. This trend can also be seen in many other areas across the north and is further evidence that the Executive is delivering for local young people.

“While the figures show higher than average performance by pupils from Coleraine and other areas, there are still too many young people leaving school without reaching the benchmark of five good GCSEs or equivalents including GCSE English and maths.

“This upward trend in attainment is testament to the hard work of the young people from the Borough of Coleraine area who have worked so hard towards their exams and also to the dedication and commitment of those around them – parents, family members, teachers and school staff. I commend them on their achievements and hope that the trend continues in future years.”

The Minister said the Education Works’ campaign highlighted how important education was for children.