All pupils are due to return to their desks by the end of the month for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown in March.

Social distancing can be relaxed when schools reopen in Northern Ireland

Students sat at their desks in an exam hall.

The results saw the overall pass rate of pupils achieving an A*-E grade rise by 0.8% to 99.1%. However, 37% of estimated grades were lowered and 5.3% were raised.

Mixed picture at schools emerges as A-level results opened

Over a third of A-level students in Northern Ireland have had their estimated grades lowered.

Over a third of NI students' estimated A-level grades ‘lowered’

A broader scope for appeals will be allowed following this year’s A-level and GCSE awards, Northern Ireland's exams body said.

Exams body says ‘broader scope’ allowed for results appeals

Belfast Royal Academy grammar school in north Belfast.

A north Belfast grammar school has issued guidance to parents and guardians outlining that pupils will have to wear face masks when they return for the new academic year.

Belfast school to introduce mandatory face masks for pupils

Ahead of classrooms opening again later this month, a children's charity is calling on Stormont to invest more in helping schools put mental health at the heart of the education system. 

Teachers believe pandemic will harm pupils' mental health

Queen’s University says face coverings will become mandatory for staff and students in parts of the campus next week.

Face coverings to become mandatory in parts of QUB campus

As many school's in the region look forward to welcoming their pupils back, some have voiced their concerns with more guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) and how pupils will get to school. 

Principals seek guidance on reopening of schools in NI

Mum-of-four Sandra Isirima has been widowed at the age of just 27, but graduated from Queen's University Belfast after being encouraged by her husband to keep studying.

A mum of four has graduated with a master’s degree from Queen’s University, Belfast despite being widowed just eight months ago, after her husband encouraged her to keep studying.

Mum-of-four widowed at 27 graduates with master’s degree

Educational underachievement remains "stubbornly entrenched", Peter Weir has said.

Education Minister appoints expert panel to examine underachievement

We are all concerned about the impact lockdown is likely to have on our children academically - but what about the social and psychological effect?

Our children 'will be changed by this pandemic'

A large number of schools in Northern Ireland will not be able to return to
full-capacity teaching in September, Peter Weir has said.

Large number of schools will not be able to teach all pupils at one time - Weir

Stormont could be set to receive additional funding from Westminster to extend the free school meals scheme over the summer.

Westminster could fund NI free school meals extension

The Department of Education is working on proposals to allow summer schemes to be run within schools and community groups over the summer.

Fears for teacher wellbeing following summer school proposals

The Northern Ireland Executive "needs to do the same" as the Government and provide free school meals outside of term time, an MP has said.

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