Waiting for results

Anxious wait for Leaving Cert results

Tension is in the air for 2,194 families across Meath tonight as they await the Leaving Certificate results which will be available in the morning.

Anxious students will be gathering at schools on Wednesday morning to learn their fate, while many others will wait to get their results online.
Some 2,194 Meath students sat the Leaving Certificate in 19 schools around the county last June and the results will be delivered to schools this Wednesday.
The State Examinations Commission has advised students to check with their individual schools regarding specific times that morning.
Students can also access their results via the internet using their PIN number and examination number. PIN numbers have been made available through schools or have been sent directly to external candidates. This service will be available from 12 noon on Wednesday on www.examinations.ie
Of the 2,194 students who sat the exam in Meath, 1,179 were female and 1,115 were male.
A further 123 sat the Leaving Certificate Applied exam - including 57 females and 66 males. Tomorrow will be a very exciting day in the lives of young people getting their results, according to guidance counsellor at St Michael's Loreto, Francis O'Toole.
“The Leaving Certificate opens many doors to PLCs courses, colleges, universities - some students will take on trades and some will go into the world of work. It is a big day in all their lives and they should celebrate in a prudent way and consider health and safety.
“It is good to celebrate success,†he said.
Mr O'Toole said that there will be high expectations and high anxiety as well as disappointments.
“Parents need to keep the house very calm. They need to keep calm and not panic. They need to see the bigger picture and keep things in perspective.
“The Leaving Cert exam does not define who you are. Don't focus on the problems and don't make any rash decisions.â€
He recommended that students wait for the CAO offers next week, before making any decisions.
“You may be disappointed with your results, but could be delighted with your offers,†he said.
He also pointed out that students can have their papers rechecked and this is strongly advised.
He explained the school authorities will be able to advise on this.
“If you are unsure about any decision, talk to the guidance counsellor in your school and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors have a helpline 1800 265 165 open for the next two weeks.
“Congratulations to the young people who have done their exams.
“You have done extremely well and it has been a long journey through primary and secondary school and you have come so far in your personalities and ability to communicate.
“There is an exciting world out there and you have exciting futures ahead,†he said.
Meanwhile, the Exam Helpline 2017, provided by the National Parents' Council Post Primary (NPCpp) and sponsored by eir and the Irish Independent, will open tomorrow offering confidential advice, information and support to Meath students receiving their results.
The 1800 265 165 Freephone helpline is open from 10am tomorrow, to take calls from students and parents seeking advice and up to date information on what choices are available to students. It will open for three days the week of the results as well as a further three days the following week, after the release of CAO Round One offers.
The Helpline is sponsored by eir and the Irish Independent and supported by the Department of Education and Skills and staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
The Helpline receives thousands of calls every year, giving expert advice to students to enable them to make informed choices about their future career paths and further education.

Those seeking advice, information or reassurance can contact the Helpline on

1800 265 165 and speak to experienced guidance counsellors.

All queries on 3rd level courses, Leaving Cert appeals and repeats, CAO procedures, no offers and financing your further education will be dealt with in a professional and confidential manner.

In recent years calls to the Helpline have increased, which shows the need for

the personal touch at the end of a phone line at what can be a highly pressurised time for students and their parents.

Ross Mac Mahon, of the National Parents Council Post Primary stated that “The Helpline provides students and parents with live interactive one to one advice and guidance from professional councillors. This is particularly valuable given the change in the points system this yearâ€.