Students in the North gained more top grades at A-Level, the UK equivalent of the Leaving Certificate, than their counterparts in England and Wales. They also performed best in new AS-Level exams.
In the North, 24.6 per cent of entries received A grades, compared to 18.3 per cent in England and just under 20 per cent in Wales, results released today show.
The North also had the highest number of overall passes (Grade A to E) at 92.1 per cent, just ahead of Wales where 92 per cent of entries passed, and England with 89.6 per cent. Females in the North outperformed male students, with 3.1 per cent more attaining Grade A at A level.
The regional officer with the National Association of Head Teachers, Ms Fern Turner, said the figures were not unexpected.
Students disappointed by their grades should not despair, Ms Turner said.
"I want to reinforce the view that this is not the end. There are other routes and avenues they can pursue."
Students in the North also excelled at AS level, with 28 per cent being awarded A grades compared with 16.8 per cent in England and 16.5 per cent in Wales.
Controversy has surrounded the AS levels which were introduced in September for high school students in their penultimate year.