Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan have congratulated the 70,411 candidates receiving their Leaving Certificate and Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programme results today.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has made the Leaving Certificate 2026 results available from 10am for those who sat the Established, Applied and Vocational Programme examinations.

For the first time, students who completed Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes are receiving their results alongside their peers.

The ministers highlighted the broad range of supports in place as students consider next steps across further or higher education, apprenticeships, employment and other pathways. They also welcomed confirmation from the SEC that it intends to issue Leaving Certificate appeal outcomes on 25 September.

Minister Naughton said: "I would like to warmly congratulate every one of the 70,411 students 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 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 is free of charge from 21 August, offering person-centred guidance from experienced counsellors to students and parents/guardians by phone or text. Contact: 1800 265 165 (phone) or 086 180 0685 (text). It operates on designated dates between 21 and 29 August, with hours varying between 10am–2pm, 10am–5pm and 10am–6pm.

The SEC Candidate Self Service Portal helpline will be available from 9am to 5pm from Friday 21 August 2026 on 1800 111 135 or 1800 111 136. Outside these hours, queries can be emailed to [email protected].

Wellbeing resources from the National Educational Psychological Service are available at gov.ie (search: Wellbeing Support for Leaving Certificate Students, Parents and School Staff). HSE/HSE-funded services will also support students through mental health services, with details at www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/.

Schools have been asked to support candidates on results day by facilitating scheduled visits for those who wish to meet members of Student Support Teams, including guidance counsellors, year heads, tutors and chaplains.