To ask the Minister of Education for her assessment of how rising GCSE and A-Level exam results are affecting the take up of places at (i) further education colleges; and (ii) universities.

Educational outcomes for NI learners have been rising since 2006 as a result of high quality leadership and teaching across our system. There has been an increase in the types of opportunities, awards and qualifications available to young people and an increase in the number awarded. Notably, increasing numbers of our young people are leaving school having achieved the key benchmark of 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including GCSE English and Maths. Improvements in educational outcomes have increased young people’s opportunities both for future employment and for progression to the next stage of education and training.

The allocation of places and admissions arrangements for Further Education colleges and universities are a matter for the Minister for the Economy.