Celebrations as almost 58000 students pick up their leaving cert results

Celebrations continue around the county and country after almost 58,000 students got their Leaving Cert results today.

The Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan has congratulated the nation's Leaving Certs and also said that the number of students failing honours maths is in line with the failure rate for other subjects.

Five per cent of those taking the higher level maths paper failed the subject. The Minister said that this was not unusual and, in fact, the percentage is higher in other science subjects like physics and chemistry.

However, students failing maths technically fail the Leaving Cert.

The Minister is advising students considering taking the honours maths exams to assess themselves in conjunction with their teachers on their ability to sit the honours exams.

This year's figures show that the proportion of students choosing the Higher Level Maths paper has remained at last year's level of 27%. However, the Higher Level Irish paper continues to grow in popularity.

Over the past three years the introduction of bonus CAO points for Maths has encouraged many more students to opt for the Higher Level paper - up 7% on last year.

Nationwide, eight students were awarded eight A1s and one student achieved 9A1s. Overall more than 6,500 students have received one or more A1s.

The results were made available in schools across the country this morning, and online from midday; while first round offers from the CAO are due in the post on Monday.

Helpline

Meanwhile, the National Parents; Council Post Primary (NPCpp) has opened a freephone helpline for students and parents which can be contacted on 1800-265-165.

It opened from 10am this morning to take calls from students, parents and teachers seeking advice and up to date information on what choices are available to students. 

All queries on 3rd level courses, the points system, rechecks, repeats, CAO procedures, apprenticeships and further training options will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

The helpline is staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors who are fully qualified in their field.

The helpline is sponsored by Eircom and supported by the Department of Education and Skills.

The opening hours of the helpline are:
Wednesday, 12th August: 10am-7pm
Thursday, 13th August: 10am-7pm
Friday, 14th August: 10am-1pm
Monday, 17th August: 8am-7pm
Tuesday, 18th August: 8am-7pm
Wednesday, 19th August: 8am-1pm