Leaving Certificate results are being issued today, Friday, 21st August, with more than 70,000 candidates across the country receiving their provisional results.
Students in Drogheda, Louth, Meath and across the North East are among those able to access their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results online from 10am.
Results are available through the State Examinations Commission’s Candidate Self Service Portal at examinations.ie, where candidates can view and print a statement of their provisional results.
Schools can also access results for their own candidates through the SEC Schools Portal and have been asked to put arrangements in place to support students receiving results today.
SEC congratulates class of 2026
Jacinta Stewart, Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission, congratulated students receiving their results.
“Today is a significant day for the thousands of young people across the country who took their Leaving Certificate examinations this year. I, along with my fellow Commissioners, wish to extend our sincere congratulations to every candidate receiving their results this morning. I wish to acknowledge parents, guardians and other family members who have played a significant role in supporting candidates through their examinations”
This year also marks the first time students are receiving results in the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes.
The programmes are designed for students with complex learning and development needs, with more than 300 young people receiving results in the inaugural year.
Ms Stewart said:
“This is a momentous occasion for these young people who until now have been unable to access the Leaving Certificate Programmes. Today, an inaugural group of over 300 young people, are receiving their results in the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, and having their achievements recognised, alongside their peers taking the other Leaving Certificate programmes.
“The SEC is proud to have been involved in this initiative undertaking a new role of validating school-based assessment to certify achievement.”
Post-marking adjustment continues to reduce
The SEC also confirmed that the gradual removal of the Leaving Certificate post-marking adjustment, which began in 2025, has continued this year.
According to the Commission, the final adjustment was selected with the aim of reducing the measure gradually and avoiding a sudden return to pre-pandemic outcomes.
Ms Stewart said:
“Following extensive analysis and exploration of options, our consideration led us to select a final adjustment which delivers the best set of outcomes to deliver on the commitments made to reduce the post marking adjustment in a gradual way. Results, in the aggregate, are just above 2020 levels.
“The SEC has been cognisant of minimising the impact on candidates to the greatest possible degree ensuring that there is no cliff-edge in terms of a return to pre-pandemic outcomes.”
Thanks to schools and examination staff
The SEC also acknowledged the work of teachers, school leaders, special needs assistants and the thousands of people involved in delivering and supervising the State examinations.
Ms Stewart said:
“The successful delivery of the State examinations requires extensive planning and the collaborative work of thousands of school personnel including teaching staff and special needs assistants, school leaders, Principals, Deputy Principals and also the many thousands of teachers who give their service to the SEC each year to examine and superintend the State Examinations. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in this year’s undertaking.”
Appeals expected in September
The SEC intends to issue Leaving Certificate appeal results on Friday, 25th September.
That date remains provisional until the number of appeal applications is known, with further details on the appeals process due to be provided.
The Commission will also announce arrangements for the release of the 2026 Junior Cycle results at a later date.
Congratulations to everyone receiving their Leaving Cert results today.
