More than 60,000 students will receive their Leaving Certificate results later, in what will be the last year of grade inflation linked to the pandemic disruption to education.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will make Leaving Cert results available from 10am to students.
This year’s Leaving Cert students will benefit from the adjusted examinations and a post-marking adjustment (PMA), which keeps average results in line with the last several years.
With the application of the PMA this year, 68% of all grades increased following the marking process compared with just over 71% in 2023 and 50% in 2022.
The range of adjustment was from 12.1% added to those at the bottom of the scale to 4.8% added at the top.
However, the results next year will be lower on aggregate as part of the Department of Education’s plan to make a gradual return to normal results.
The current results are around seven percentage points higher than those at pre-Covid-19 levels.
A total of 60,839 candidates will receive Leaving Certificate results this year, some 56,791 candidates followed the Leaving Certificate (established) programme and 4,048 (6.6%) candidates followed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.
Data released by the SEC shows that the numbers sitting the two newest Leaving Certificate subjects continue to rise.
The cohort sitting physical education is up by approximately 12% and computer science up by approximately 28%.
Interim chairperson of the SEC Martin Sisk offered his congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2024.
“I, and my fellow commissioners, would like to offer you our sincere congratulations as you receive your Leaving Certificate results today,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Minister for Education Norma Foley congratulated the class of 2024.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for them. I don’t underestimate that the last few years have been challenging and difficult for them but as a collective they have really withstood all those challenges,” the Fianna Fail minister said.
“They have worked hard, they have come out the other side and today is a great celebration and a great credit due to them.
“Of course, I don’t forget all the staff in school, their teachers, SNAs, everybody within the school who supported them and walked the journey with them.
“Equally so, I always make the point of including the parents and guardians, because the whole family is invested in the student who is doing the Leaving Certificate.
“Many hands and hearts support Leaving Certificate students, and I want to thank each and every one of them.
“But most especially, I want to thank the class of 2024. We are enormously proud of all they have achieved. Today is a milestone for them and we begin the next exciting chapter in life.
“I wish them well in that. The journey can manyfold, and if you don’t get the points you had wanted, there’s many other avenues open from now.
“Congratulations on what you have achieved. You have been a terrific class and I wish you well into the future.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris said Leaving Cert results day is a “milestone” in a young person’s life.
“I hope our students across Ireland enjoy the final chapter in their school lives,” he said in a statement.
“The range of emotions students will experience today will go from delight to disappointment but it’s so important to keep everything in perspective.
“Receiving the Leaving Cert results is not only about points on a page but the beginning of the next stage of your life.
“That might be college, work, an apprenticeship, a PLC or a path that you haven’t yet decided on.”
The National Parents and Students Leaving Cert Helpline on 1800 265 165 will operate from Friday until Saturday August 31, from 10am to 5pm each day, except for Sunday August 25 when it will be closed and Saturday August 31 when it will be open from 10am to 2pm.
