“Congratulations to all pupils and their teachers on another outstanding set of exam results. Today’s performance is a testament to the high standards being achieved in our schools.

“It is nothing short of remarkable that the pupils and the teachers have secured these excellent results given the intense pressures, challenges and uncertainties which have been facing the education service

“Major job loss, cuts to funding, excessive workload and year-on-year pay cuts have not diminished teachers’ commitment to doing the best for the young people they teach, but they cannot go on working in such circumstances.

“Investment in the school workforce now must be a priority for politicians in order to ensure that the achievements evident today can be sustained.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:

“Today’s results are a testament to the skills and talent of our young people and the teachers and principals who work so hard to support them achieve success.

“More analysis is needed to examine the changing pattern of subject entries. The growth in the number of pupils studying STEM subjects is welcome, but the reasons for the decline in other subject areas such as technology and languages need to be examined further.

“It is important that all pupils have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects which reflect their interests and prepare them for further study and their chosen careers.”