NI Conservatives’ education spokeswoman, Annika Nestius-Brown, praised the “talent and hard work” of Northern Ireland’s A Level students, as they received the results of their exams this morning
“Over the past fortnight the Olympics have given us a marvellous opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our sportsmen and women. As the A Level results are announced today, we have a similar chance to congratulate our young people on their talent, hard work and educational accomplishments.”
“Those who attain the grades they need can enjoy their success and look forward to taking their chosen course at university or college, or perhaps starting out on an exciting career. Those who miss out should remember that there will be alternative paths, which, more often than not, work out for the best.”
“In Northern Ireland we’re fortunate to have schools which produce some of the best academic results in the United Kingdom. We’re also fortunate to have excellent schools and colleges which offer a more vocational emphasis.”
“The NI Conservatives support an education system which provides different pathways for young people to realise their potential. Unfortunately the education minister at Stormont favours a system which does not permit the most academically gifted children to shine. He and his predecessors from Sinn Féin have waged war on Northern Ireland’s grammar schools.”
“Today, as we celebrate the achievements of our young people, we should also celebrate the commitment to academic excellence of so many of our schools. John O’Dowd must not be allowed to undermine this commitment by dismantling selection, on the wrongful assumption that a single pathway to success suits every child.”