The Upper Bann MLA said, “This survey once again highlights the excellence achieved by pupils in Northern Ireland. That is testament to their hard work and that of their teachers and school leaders. It is also testament to the wider education system in Northern Ireland and why we should be seeking to protect and maintain our excellence.
We know however that there is a gap between the highest results and those lower achievers. We must seek to tackle that attainment gap whilst still maintaining the excellence that many Northern Ireland schools are achieving.
The chronic underfunding of education, as with other front line services has meant the Department of Education does not have the resources to make an impact. It is despite this that many of our schools still continue to secure such excellent results, but there is a need for action if we are to tackle the issues which require attention within education.”