LAST UPDATE | 23 Aug
MORE THAN 60,000 Leaving Certificate students are now able to get their results.
Results have live on the Candidate Portal, though many students will choose to go to their school and pick them up in physical form.
Education Minister Norma Foley has congratulated the class of 2024, saying that today is a “momentous day in the lives” of students and their families.
It is expected to be the final year of grade inflation that has become a feature after grade adjustment measures were introduced because of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s resulted in an average adjustment of 7.5% for this year’s students. This compares to an average adjustment in 2023 of 7.9 % and in 2022 of 5.6%.
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said the gradual return to normal Leaving Cert grading will begin in 2025.
Some 62,700 candidates - a record number - sat the exams this year, and many will receive first round CAO offers next Wednesday, 28 August at 2pm.
Students will also receive an email notification and a text message if they have selected this option. Separate emails/texts will issue in respect of Level 8 and Level 7/6, with Level 8 notifications issuing first.
These emails and texts will be sent from approximately 1.30pm on 28 August. There will be no paper offer notices for any of the
offer rounds.
The acceptance date for Round One offers is no later than Tuesday 3 September at 3pm. Offers may be accepted online only.
Round two offers will be available on the CAO website from 2pm on Monday 9 September. The reply date for Round Two offers is no later than Wednesday 11 September at 3pm.
Last year, points for 60% of CAO courses fell.
For students who sat exams this year, there will be no change from last year with grades to stay at the same level on average.
The Department said examiners will continue to apply post-marking adjustments after all marking on the exams have been completed, in order to ensure grades in the aggregate reach the appropriate levels.
Foley previously said that grade inflation increased by 7% compared to 2019 as a result of the adjustment measures and that this would have to come down by around 1.5% in 2025 as part of a gradual process.
A free helpline, 1800 265 165, for parents and students will be in operation from today until Saturday 31 August, excluding this coming Sunday.
The helpline is staffed by professional and experienced guidance counsellors who will give one-to-one support.
They can provide information on things like calculating CAO points, examination result rechecks, failing a subject, and viewing scripts.
They can also answer questions about courses, preference order, further education and training options, apprenticeships, fees and gap years.
Norma Foley said today is a “momentous day” for Leaving Cert students and their families, paying credit to their families and school staff for helping to get them prepared for this day.
“I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on this milestone, which brings reward and recognition for all your work and dedication over the past number of years,” Foley said.
“I hope you can enjoy the day and reflect on all you have achieved, as well as the friendships you made and the many ways in you enriched the life of your school on your journey to today.
“This is an exciting moment in your life, as you look ahead to the many great and varied opportunities that lie ahead.”
Whether this year’s Leaving Cert students’ next step is into “further or higher education, an apprenticeship, work, or other possibilities”, Foley said she wished them every success and happiness.
The Kerry Fianna Fáil TD also paid thanks to the State Examinations Commission and the “many teachers who undertook work as examiners this year, for their commitment and intensive work to deliver these results today”.
Foley added: “I would also like to thank your parents, families and school communities, as well as the dedicated teachers, SNAs and school staff who helped to ensure you were supported throughout your time at school and played a vital role in your journey to today.”
Foley added that she welcomed the announcement by the State Examinations Commission today that Junior Cycle examination results will be issued to students on Wednesday 9 October this year – a week earlier than last year.
“This will provide clarity to those students and their families and I would also like to wish them well,” Foley said.
The HSE has issued advice to parents and students who are out celebrating tonight.
They advise young people to drink responsibly, look after their friends and have a safe way of getting home.
The HSE’s webpage Information for parents about young people has tips on how to have conversations about alcohol and drugs.
With reporting by Eoghan Dalton
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