Students in Northern Ireland have topped all previous records of success in A level examinations in the province.

The 1999 results show the grades have improved, and the pass rate was almost 93%.

Over 10,000 students have received their grades and according to figures published by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) the results show a steady improvement in the percentage of top grades achieved.

CCEA Director Dr Alastair Walker praised the performance of Northern Ireland's GCE students.

Dr Walker said: "Students in Northern Ireland have once again raised their level of performance in GCE A level examinations while standards have been rigorously maintained."

The percentage of passes with the highest grade A was 22% this year, and 92.7% of entries resulted in grades A-E.

In 1998 the percentage of passes at grade A was 20.2%.

The number of students taking AS level examinations was small (247) compared with over 10,000 students opting for A level examinations. This may lead to significant variations from one year to the next.

This year the pass rate for AS level entries was 73.2%.

Northern Ireland Education Minister John McFall also congratulated the students and their teachers on the improved results of this year's examination.

He said: "Northern Ireland has a record of high achievement in GCE examinations and this year's results are no exception.

"These are excellent results and I congratulate all this year's candidates on achievements of which they, their teachers and parents can be very proud."

The CCEA is providing an examinations helpline for students and parents who have queries about their A level results.

The number is 01232 261260 and the service is available until Friday 27 August.

There is also an accelerated re-marking service. A level students will be able to have their scripts re-marked, if they wish, and a reply provided by Friday 3 September.

This should be particularly helpful for students hoping for university or college places.