Picture special: GCSE students score top marks

GCSE students at Monkstown Community School helped produce the school's best ever set of exam results.

Several local schools recorded best ever grades, and some of the celebrations were caught on camera.

Across Northern Ireland, A* - C grades were achieved by 78 per cent of pupils, an increase from 76.5 per cent in 2013.

The top grades, A* and A, were awarded to 28.2 per cent of entrants, a slight increase from 28 per cent 12 months ago.

The overall pass rate remained the same as last year, with 99.2 per cent of grades awarded at A* - G.

Anyone who has a query relating to their results - appeals, re-marks or re-sits - should contact their school or college, or phone the CCEA helpline on 028 9026 1260.

• Ballyclare High School pictures by Freddie Parkinson; Monkstown Community School and Ballyclare Secondary School pictures by Shirley O’Neill.