Students in Northern Ireland have gained record numbers of good A levels, normally taken at the age of 18, from the Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
Candidates can get their results from schools today, while the more relaxed can wait for tomorrow's post.
Statistics from CCEA show that the numbers gaining Grade A have risen without fail over the years to 22 per cent this summer. Successes at the recognised good grades A-C have risen from 55.2 per cent in 1993 to 67.3 per cent this year, while numbers gaining no A levels have fallen from 13 per cent to 7.3 per cent.
This means that demand for higher education is likely to remain buoyant; on the other hand, the total of 10,212 candidates is about 500 less than last year.
But statistics from CCEA do not give the full picture because up to half the students in most schools follow syllabuses offered by British examination boards.
In the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), scores have resumed an upward move following a slight dip last year.
Results issued on Tuesday show that just over one-fifth of 16-year-olds - more than ever before - gained either A grade or the new A*. Almost half picked up grade B and C, bringing the total gaining A* to C to 69.9 per cent. Apart from last year, the proportion achieving these good grades has risen throughout the 1990s.
Mr Arnie Stewart, principal of Glengormley High School, was highly pleased with "very sound GCSE results, which were well up to the usual high standards".
Indications are that A level scores are also good, though he is waiting for English boards to send results next week.
Father Patrick McEntee, head of St Michael's College, in Enniskillen, was "very happy" with the GCSE outcomes and "reasonably happy" with A level.
He rejected the notion that standards were lower.
"These improved results reflect harder work. Every school has its notable exceptions, but the thrust is very much towards working harder. It has dawned on people that GCSE is important in itself and not just a rite of passage towards A levels.
"A levels are a tough exam and the course work focuses the boys on working on a continuing basis rather than rushing in the last few weeks.
"It is unfair to have the hue and cry that A levels are getting easier. There is no evidence for this at all."
This was supported by Ms Colette McNeilis, vice-principal of St Cecilia's High School, in Derry, who was "very, very pleased" with the performance of the girls.
"It is a testament to the hard work of students and teachers and it is very unfair to say the exams are getting easier," she said.