Ministers congratulate over 1,000 students in Carlow on receiving their Leaving Certificate examinations and Level 1 and 2 Learning Programme results today

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan have congratulated over 1,000 students in Co. Carlow who received their Leaving Certificate and Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programme results today. 

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) made Leaving Certificate 2026 results available from 10am today to 70,411 students across the country who sat this year’s Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme examinations. 

For the first time this year, students who have completed Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes also received their results alongside their peers. Students with special educational needs in Carlow were among the 306 nationally receiving results. 

Ministers Naughton and Moynihan highlighted the wide range of supports available to students as they receive their results and begin to consider their next steps, whether that is further or higher education, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway. 

The Ministers also welcomed confirmation from the State Examinations Commission that it intends to issue the results of Leaving Certificate appeals on 25 September. 

Minister Naughton said: 

“I would like to warmly congratulate every one of the students in Carlow and across Ireland receiving their results today. I also want to congratulate your families, teachers and school communities, who have supported you throughout your journey. 

“Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and challenges overcome. I hope you take the time to celebrate this achievement, to reflect on everything you have accomplished, the friendships and memories you have made and the contribution you have made to your school and wider community. 

“I would particularly like to congratulate the students who have completed the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes and who, for the first time, are receiving their results alongside their peers. This is an important achievement and a testament to your hard work, as well as to the support of the families, teachers and school staff who have helped you along the way. 

“Today marks an important step forward for inclusive education and I wish every student receiving their results the very best for the future. 

“As you look ahead, there are many different routes available to you and more opportunities than ever to find a pathway that suits your ambitions, interests and talents. Whether your next step is further or higher education, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway, support is available to help you continue to learn, develop and achieve your goals. 

“I also want to recognise the parents, families, teachers, SNAs and all school staff who have supported and encouraged students throughout their school years. They have played an important role in helping students reach this milestone and I hope they take the opportunity to celebrate alongside them today. Finally, I would like to thank the State Examinations Commission and the many teachers who undertook examination work this year for their commitment and intensive work in delivering these results. Their contribution is greatly appreciated.” 

Minister of State Moynihan said: 

“As Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone in Carlow and across the country collecting results today.  This is the culmination of years of hard work and now today is your day to enjoy and reflect with pride on everything you have achieved. 

“Today marks a milestone moment for inclusive education in this country as those of you who completed Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes receive your results alongside your peers. I would especially like to congratulate you and wish you all the very best for your life ahead. 

"This is a new beginning for you and, as you look to the future, remember that a wide range of opportunities and supports are available to help you achieve your goals and realise your full potential. Whether this means further education, an apprenticeship, the workforce or another pathway, the skills you've gained are a solid foundation for your next steps. The future is yours to shape, so go forward with confidence. 

“To your families, teachers, and school communities, thank you for guiding, inspiring, and supporting each student to get to this day. Your encouragement and belief have been instrumental in their success." 

The National Parents and Students Leaving Certificate Helpline will be available free of charge from 21 August, offering vital support to Leaving Certificate students and their parents/guardians. Students and parents/guardians can choose to phone or text the helpline. Whichever option is chosen; an experienced guidance counsellor will be on hand to provide live, person-centred support. The service can be reached by calling 1800 265 165 or texting 086 180 0685. 

The State Examinations Commission Candidate helpline is available for queries relating to the Candidate Self Service Portal and the services provided through the portal. The Candidate Portal helpline will be available at 1800 111 135 or 1800 111 136 from 9am to 5pm from Friday 21 August 2026. Outside of these hours, queries may be e-mailed to candidateportal@examinations.ie. 

A range of wellbeing resources developed by the National Educational Psychological Service is also available here. 

HSE/HSE-funded service providers will be available to support students through the provision of mental health services. More information is available from this link. 

Schools have been asked to provide support to candidates today, results day, by allowing them to come to the school if they wish to at a scheduled time, to meet with members of the Student Support Team such as guidance counsellors, year heads, tutors and chaplains.