Record number of students set to sit Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle exams

Eva Osborne

A record number of students are set to start State exams on Wednesday.

146,553 candidates will commence their Leaving Cert, Leaving Cert Applied, or Junior Cycle exams across the country.

The number of exam candidates has reached a new record level, surpassing 146,000 for the first time.

Overall, the number entered has increased by 4 per cent, or 6,096, compared with 2025, when 140,457 candidates entered for the examinations.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) said State exams are a "massive logistical exercise", with 3.5 million exam papers distributed to exam superintendents responsible for supervising the written tests.

The exams will take place across 5,860 main and over 11,600 special examination centres throughout the network of over 800 post-primary schools, and other venues recognised by the SEC.

The exams will run until Tuesday, June 23rd, for Leaving Cert students (established and vocational); Thursday, June 11th, for Leaving Cert Applied students; and Monday, June 15th, for Junior Cycle students.

Chair of the State Examinations Commission, Jacinta Stewart, said: “For candidates, their families and school authorities across the country the State examinations are a landmark event marking years of learning, commitment and preparation.

"On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the staff of the SEC, I want to wish every candidate the very best as they begin their examinations.

"I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution made by school communities — including principals, deputy principals, examinations aides, teachers and special needs assistants, — whose ongoing dedication supports candidates at this time.”