More than 70,000 Leaving Certificate students have received their exam results today, with the overall trend showing fewer top marks awarded, as the impacts of grade deflation continue.
The results became available online and in schools at 10am, with the number of candidates at record high levels.
Data from the State Examinations Commission (SEC) shows that the class of 2026 has been awarded fewer top grades, with the proportion of H1s down by over one-and-a-half percentage points on 2025.
Last year, H1s initially accounted for 11.7% of grades, that figure is down to 10.1% for this year.
It is a similar situation at ordinary level with O1s down by one percentage point, now at 2.7%.
The results have gone through the process of post marking-adjustment which was brought in as a way to ensure students who were impacted by the pandemic restrictions would not suddenly receive much lower results because of the disruption they had experienced.
This year’s raw scores have again been hiked, but to a lesser extent.
2026’s post-marking adjustment increased 35% of all grades compared to 52% in 2025, and 68% in 2024.
That process though is being phased out.
The SEC said the adjustment will be required next year to ensure there is no cliff edge in the results, but expects a return to normal pre-pandemic results in 2028.
Overall, the number of students sitting the Leaving Cert has increased by 15% on 2024, with increases in the number sitting standard exams and the Leaving Cert Applied.
According to the SEC, there was a continued move from students to opt for higher level papers this year - up from 72% last year to 74% in 2026.
This year also marks the first results, for the 306 students who sat the L1 and L2 Learning Programme which are for students with complex learning and development needs.
The number of students with enduring or temporary special educational needs who were given support rose to 40,000 in 2026, up from 36,000 the previous years.
The data also show that the numbers taking PE as a subject has increased 26%, with technology students up 21% and the number taking construction studies up 11%.
Listen: Guidance Counsellor Brian Mooney with advice for students
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Options open to students 'virtually limitless' - Minister for Education
Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has said that today is "not just about CAO points".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, she said: "I do understand that there will be nerves this morning among parents and guardians as well as students themselves, and not to mention the teachers who have been a huge support to our students right across the country.
"I think it's important to remember that this cohort... of Leaving Cert students went into first year in 2020 wearing masks, trying to get to know their friends and their peers through unprecedented times, so this has been a huge journey for them.
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How to check and accept a CAO Offer
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"Many will be very happy, some may be disappointed but just know that there are so many options open to every student now today - it's virtually limitless.
"This is a day of celebration and it's not just about CAO points, [students] can go on to do further education and PLCs."
The Minister said there were many ways for students to access third-level education.
"There are lots and lots of new courses out there being made available by my colleague Minister James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education.
