Post-16

Qualifications

At post-16, young people can choose from a number of qualifications that we offer at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, including GCE A levels.

Entry Level

CCEA’s Entry Level qualifications offer a total of over 150 units at Entry 1 to Entry 3. Familiar subject areas such as Mathematics, History and Science are available, as well as vocationally related and skills for life options.

Entry Level Subjects

Vocational

CCEA offers vocational qualifications at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. These qualifications are practical in nature and relate to a specific job or career area.

Vocational Subjects

GCE

CCEA GCE A level qualifications are designed to suit students aged 16 and over. They are at Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

GCE Subjects GCE Timetables GCE Past Papers & Mark Schemes

The Development Pathway

Pre-School

Age 3–4 / Before Year 1

Pre-school education offers children one year of non-compulsory education. Children learn at their own pace through a breadth of learning experiences and challenging play activities in a stimulating environment.

Foundation Stage

Age 4–6

Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.

Key Stages 1 & 2

Age 6–11

Key Stage 1 (primary school Years 3 and 4) builds on Foundation Stage experiences, and Key Stage 2 (primary school Years 5, 6 and 7) builds on Key Stage 1 experiences. As children progress through these stages, they move from informal to more formal learning.

Key Stage 3

Age 11–14

At Key Stage 3 (post-primary Years 8, 9 and 10), the curriculum builds on the learning experiences that pupils bring from primary school. Pupils now attend classes in different subjects, and teachers typically teach specific subjects to pupils across the different Years.

Key Stage 4

Age 14–16 / Qualifications

At Key Stage 4 (post-primary Years 11 and 12), pupils build on their learning from Key Stage 3. Pupils meet the statutory curriculum requirements through compulsory Areas of Learning and optional courses that lead to general and/or applied qualifications.

Post-16

Qualifications

At post-16, young people can choose from a number of qualifications that we offer at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, including GCE A levels.

Latest News

Appointment of Chairperson and Members to the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA)

Published: 31/01/2025, 11:30am

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the appointment of Mrs Deborah O’Hare to the post of Chairperson of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

NI’s promising young film and animation students celebrated at CCEA’s Moving Image Arts Showcase 2024

Published: 03/12/2024, 9:00am

Northern Ireland’s most talented young filmmakers were recognised at CCEA’s annual Moving Image Arts Showcase.

New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED

Published: 13/11/2024, 10:15am

CCEA has created an engaging and interactive lifesaving application (app) in partnership with the Department of Education and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

All CCEA Events