Press release
Ministers Foley, Madigan and Byrne congratulate students receiving Junior Cycle examination results
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan and Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne have extended their congratulations to the almost 71,000 students receiving Junior Cycle examination results today (18 October).
This year marked the second full year of examinations in the reformed Junior Cycle and today sees 629,189 grades being issued across 21 individual subjects examined.
Minister Foley said:
“On this momentous occasion for the 70,727 students receiving Junior Cycle examinations results, I would like to send my sincere congratulations and good wishes to all.
“Through the energy and dedication you have applied to your school lives to date, you have attained a great deal of knowledge and developed a myriad of talents, skills and ambitions which will pave the way as you embark on the next stage of your education journey.
“I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best for those exciting next steps that lie ahead.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to recognise and thank your families, teachers and school communities for the many ways in which they have worked to guide and support you towards reaching this milestone today.
“Thanks are also due to the State Examinations Commission and all of those who have been involved in completing the examination process.”
Minister Madigan said:
“I would like to send congratulations to each and every student receiving results today, particularly those with special educational needs. You have put in the hard work to get to this point and have so much to celebrate as you reflect on all you have achieved and look forward to all that lies ahead.
“Today is a significant day not only for thousands of students across the country, but also for their families, teachers, Special Needs Assistants and other members of our school communities watching students receiving the results of their first State Examinations. Thank you for the important part you have played in helping to empower the next generation through education.”
Minister Byrne said:
“Today marks a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to recognise all the learning they have undertaken over the course of their Junior Cycle studies and the many ways in which they have contributed to the lives of their school communities throughout this time.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all students receiving their examination results today, as well as their families, teachers and school communities. My very best wishes to you all for the future.”
Junior Cycle examinations results will be issued in schools today. Candidates who are unable to attend school can also access their results online through the SEC website from 4pm. A unique PIN and examination number have been issued to schools for each candidate already, to enable them to access their results online.
Apart from Irish, English and Mathematics which are examined at Higher and Ordinary level, all other Junior Cycle subjects are now at Common level.
All of the examinations introduced under Junior Cycle Reform entail no-choice examinations, reflecting the intention that those achieving the highest grades will have demonstrated a high level of mastery of the knowledge, understanding and skills concerned, across the entire specification.
Some 629,189 grades in 21 individual subjects are being provided to 70,727 candidates this year. The overall number sitting Junior Cycle examinations has increased by 5% on 2022 and the proportion of candidates who are re-entrants to education has risen from 0.3% of the cohort in 2022 to 0.4% in 2023.