The written examinations for this year’s Leaving Certificate begin on Wednesday, June 3, with English Paper 1.
The examinations will conclude on Tuesday, June 23.
All morning examinations will begin at 9.30am, while afternoon examinations will begin at 2pm. However, the Music listening examination on June 18 will begin at 1.30pm.
New subjects
Two new Leaving Certificate subjects have been introduced as part of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme.
Climate Action and Sustainable Development and Drama, Film and Theatre Studies have been rolled out to 100 pilot schools.
Will Leaving Cert results be lower?
This year’s Leaving Certificate results are expected to be lower on average and more closely aligned with those issued before 2020, as efforts to tackle grade inflation continue.
Education minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that the gradual removal of the post-marking adjustment process, which began in 2025, will continue this year.
This is expected to bring overall results closer to pre-2020 levels, before changes were first made to the State examinations in response to the covid-19 pandemic.
Authorities first moved to address grade inflation in 2025, following several years of elevated grades linked to changes in the traditional examination system during the pandemic.
When can students expect their results?
Students typically receive their results in mid-to-late August. This year’s date has yet to be confirmed.
The State Examinations Commission will deliver results to more than 730 second-level schools. They will also be available online through examinations.ie.
CAO applications reminder
July 1 is the deadline for students to amend their course choices and order of preference on CAO applications.
share