Róisín O'Donohoe, Guidance Counsellor at Gorey Educate Together Secondary School and member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors is here with advice for students receiving their results.
Today is a big day – your Leaving Cert results are here! This marks an important milestone in your journey, as one chapter comes to a close and a brand-new one begins. You've probably been thinking about this moment all summer, and it’s perfectly natural to feel a mix of emotions right now – excitement, nerves, relief, or even a bit of all three. Whatever you’re feeling, know that it’s completely valid, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
1. Take a breath
When you open your results this morning, the very first thing to do is pause and take a deep breath. No matter what the numbers say, you deserve to recognise the effort, commitment and resilience you’ve shown throughout your years in school. Today is about celebrating your journey, not just a set of grades on a page.
If you’re waiting on CAO offers, remember that points and demand for courses can shift from year to year. That means your results are only one part of the picture, and it’s important not to rush into decisions just yet. Take your time, give yourself space, and keep in mind that there are a few key things worth knowing at this stage.
2. Getting Your Results
Leaving Cert Results 2025 are available from 10am on the 2025 Candidate Self-Service Portal - this is the link!
You will need your examination number, password, and PPS number. Some students will prefer to access their results alone, but it is always a good idea to have a trusted and supportive person with you.
Once you've opened your results, take some time to process them. It’s okay to feel emotional, whether you’re overjoyed or disappointed. Reach out to someone you trust (a parent, friend, teacher or guidance counsellor) to talk through how you’re feeling. Sometimes, just sharing your thoughts can help you see things more clearly.
3. What to Check
On receipt of your results, check if you meet requirements for your desired courses and calculate your points from your TOP 6 results. Use a points calculator app via www.careersportal.ie or www.cao.ie. Remember that you do not need to include core subjects and/ or subjects required for the course.
4. If you are disappointed with your results, seek support!
It is important to link in with an expert who can listen to your thoughts and help you answer any questions you might have. Perhaps arrange an appointment with your school guidance counsellor or contact the National Parents and Students Leaving Cert helpline.
The helpline is staffed by expert guidance counsellors who can provide support for issues including: calculating CAO points, rechecking examination results, accepting or deferring an offer, and what to do if a subject is failed. They can also offer guidance about repeating exams and viewing scripts, understanding course information and preference orders, and exploring all pathways including apprenticeships, private colleges, and UCAS/ UNICAS applications. Additionally, the helpline provides support on CAO procedures, registration fees, gap years, and further education and training options.
To connect with a guidance counsellor, you can call the Leaving Cert Helpline on 1800 265 165, or text GUIDANCE to 086 1800 685.
All calls are free of charge. Standard message rates apply The helpline will be open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays (22, 25 to 29 August) and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays (23 and 30 August). Text replies will be sent during helpline opening hours.
5. Review your exam scripts
If you are disappointed with one or more result, you can apply to review your exam scripts. You can apply to view your scripts through your Candidate Self Service Portal.
This review process is free. However, there is a cost if you proceed to get your script re-corrected after your review.
You can learn more information on reviewing your exam scripts here.
6. CAO offers and acceptance
On 27 August at 2pm the Round 1 offers are out. The deadline for acceptance Tuesday 2nd September at 3pm via www.cao.ie
Round 2 offers Monday, 8th September at 2pm online. For further information on subsequent round dates and deadlines go to Central Applications Office (cao.ie)
7. Alternative Options
It is important to remember that, even though the Leaving Cert results have been published, the CAO offers have not yet been made available. The points for various courses fluctuate from year to year so it is a bit of a waiting game until the CAO offer are published next week. There is no way of knowing for sure what you may be offered until the CAO offers are officially published.
Check out the explainer videos on RTÉ Learn here!
8. Check in
Take some time to check in with your friends and classmates, especially those who were worried about their results. Check with your school if there are supports in place or if you could access the results from your school. Each school may vary as to what will be available but it is a good idea to connect in with any supports available on the day.
As you celebrate your Leaving Cert results, remember that moderation is key. It's important to enjoy this moment but be mindful of your limits and look out for your friends too. Celebrations should be fun and safe for everyone, so keep an eye on those around you. True celebration is about sharing joy responsibly and ensuring that everyone can look back on this day with positive memories.
9. Support tips for parents and guardians
Keep calm and congratulate the efforts and results received. Regardless of results, this day is a big milestone for your child and should be celebrated as such.
Remember, communication is key. Keep communication channels open. Remain curious and ask how your son/ daughter how they are feeling about their results and what they want to do next. Remember that your child's guidance counsellor can be a huge resource at this time so check in with the school about supports available.
10. Final Thoughts
To all the young people receiving their results…in the coming days, you will be making some important decisions about your future. Take your time, seek advice, and trust that you have the strength and resilience to navigate whatever comes your way. Your journey is uniquely yours, and there are many roads to happiness and success.
Remember to celebrate all the successes, big and small, along with the friendships and experiences you have gained throughout your time at secondary school. Whatever the outcome on results day, you can hold your head high as you take the next step to carving out your own future. The possibilities are endless!
