There has been an improvement in the results

Pupils got their first batch of results from the local board, the CCEA, on Tuesday and the results from the English boards on Thursday.

Overall pupils achieved A-star to C grades in almost three quarters of exams. Nearly a quarter got the A or A-star grade.

Education minister Caitriona Ruane said the results were the product of years of hard work.

"Our education system needs to give young people the confidence and skills to follow their chosen career," she said.

"Unfortunately, not everyone will have got the results they were hoping for.

"However, there are still many opportunities available to them and I wish everyone success for the future in whatever path they chose."

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, said there are opportunities for everyone, whatever their exam result.

"Our economy is changing and we need a variety of skilled people to help us compete in the world economy," he said.

After two years of falling entries for GCSE in Northern Ireland, this year's figures show a recovery, rising 1% to 197,485 grades issued.

The subjects attracting the highest entries in Northern Ireland were Mathematics, English, Science Double Award, Religious Studies and English Literature.