Thousands of students across Northern Ireland are receiving their GCSE results this morning (Thursday).
This year sees the introduction of a new C* star grade. It could mean fewer students will receive the coveted A* which was first introduced in 1994.
Pupils sitting English board exams will receive grades from 9-1, with nine as the highest and one the lowest.
Last year, more than four in five entries in Northern Ireland were graded A* to C.
That represented a rise of 0.7 per cent on 2017.
Many students will opt to return to school to study for A Levels, while others will go into apprenticeships and some will further their education at colleges.