Students across Meath receive Leaving Cert results

The anxious wait for Leaving Cert students came to an end this morning as some 2,500 students around the county received their results.

From 10am this morning, Leaving Cert candidates were able to access their provisional results through the SEC’s Candidate Self Service Portal (CSSP) at www.examinations.ie.

Students can view their provisional results and are also able to print a statement of their provisional results.

School authorities have been asked to make arrangements to support candidates receiving results today.

Speaking on the 2024 Leaving Certificate results, interim Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission, Martin Sisk offered his congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2024.

He said: "I, and my fellow Commissioners, would like to offer you our sincere congratulations as you receive your Leaving Certificate results today. Results day is an important point in your lives and you should be proud of your efforts and all that you have achieved. I would also like to acknowledge your families for the support they have provided you with on your educational journey so far.”

Noting the SEC’s efforts following the announcement by Minister Foley in April this year about the 2024 results, Mr Sisk added: “Following the marking of the examinations, the SEC implemented a post-marking adjustment to give effect to the Minister’s commitment that the 2024 Leaving Certificate results in the aggregate will be no lower on average than those in 2023.

"In all of our work on the 2024 Leaving Certificate, we have endeavoured to ensure that candidates are treated fairly and equitably, that results are of the highest standards of quality, and that there is full transparency for candidates. I would urge all candidates to ensure they are fully informed about their results and to avail of the opportunity to access the Candidate Portal next Tuesday when they can see more information such as their component marks and the impact of the post-marking adjustment.”

Speaking on the improvement in the numbers of teachers engaging in examinations work this year, Mr Sisk noted: “the delivery of the state examinations involves the collaborative efforts of many thousands of school personnel including teachers, SNAs, Principals, Deputy Principals and others. I commend all involved in this collective endeavour. At this time in particular, I would like to thank those teachers who gave up their holiday time to mark the examinations this year for the benefit of candidates. While it is reassuring that we are now in a more stable position than we have been for a number of years, with both new and returning examiners on our marking teams, there is no room for complacency. The SEC will continue its efforts to ensure that teachers continue to be attracted to this essential work.”

The improved examiner situation, combined with efficiencies from the marking of examinations online, has allowed the SEC to bring further clarity and certainty to some of the remaining stages of examinations 2024.

For 2024, the SEC has announced that the intended date for the issue of the results of the Leaving Certificate appeals is Friday 27th September. This is the first time since 2019 that the SEC has been able to announce a date for the appeal results at the time of issue of the results.

Meanwhile, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD today congratulated students as they received their Leaving Certificate exam results.

Minister O’Donovan said: “Today is unique day in the lives of thousands of young people across Ireland as they receive their Leaving Certificate results.

“I want to congratulate and commend them on all the hard work they have done to get this far as they prepare to take the next step on the path to their chosen career.

“As ever at this time of year, there will be many who will be celebrating their success in the exams, while others may be feeling disappointed.

“However, I want to reassure everyone that, while it is a significant day, the Leaving Cert results do not define you as a person, and even if you didn’t do as well as you hoped, there are a variety of different pathways available to your chosen studies.

“There are so many different opportunities available now for students, including FET and PLC courses, more than 70 different apprenticeships, and of course the new unified tertiary degree courses, which allow students to earn a degree outside of the CAO system.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of so many young people, but it is just one new chapter, and I really want to remind everyone receiving their results today that education is now, more than ever, a lifelong journey.

“There are constantly new courses and pathways being developed, and my Department and I will continue to drive these new initiatives so that every person in Ireland can reach their full potential."

Separately, the national mental health charity Turn2Me is urging families to remember that the Leaving Cert results do not define a person.

"At Turn2Me, we understand the intense emotions that come with waiting for exam results," said Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me.

"It's important for students to remember that their Leaving Cert results are not the final word on their abilities or potential. There are many paths to success, and this is just one step along the way. If things didn’t go well for you on the day, there are so many alternative routes into different careers including conversion courses."

Turn2Me is offering free online counselling sessions and peer support groups, to help young people navigate the stress and anxiety associated with exam results.

The charity is encouraging students to reach out if they need someone to talk to or if they’re feeling overwhelmed.

"Our message to students is simple: You are more than a set of grades," Ms O'Malley said. "While exams are important, they do not define who you are or what you can achieve in life. It's okay to feel disappointed if you didn't get the results you were hoping for, but it’s also important to keep things in perspective and know that there are many opportunities ahead."

Turn2Me’s online free mental health services are available to students and their families who may need support, offering a safe and confidential space to discuss their feelings. The charity’s team of professional counsellors is equipped to help students manage their emotions, build resilience, and explore their options moving forward.

"Your mental health is just as important as any academic achievement," Ms O'Malley said. "We encourage students to take care of themselves during this time, seek support if they need it, and remember that their value and potential extend far beyond their exam results."

Students and their families can access Turn2Me’s free mental health services by visiting the charity’s website at www.turn2me.ie.