The message is, while exams are important, there’s a lot more to come in life after your Leaving Cert.
In all, more than 58,000 students are due to receive their Leaving Cert results on Tuesday with CAO offers to be handed out at 2pm on Thursday.
Five students who took the exams managed to score maximum points with eight H1s.
But there will be many students out there who did not quite achieve the grades they needed or were hoping for.
The message to these students from Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh is to keep things in perspective.
“It is another step through life but there are many more days and changes that will define your future,” he said on Tuesday.
While results are important, not getting the points you wanted initially does not mean students have no options.
“For anyone who may be disappointed with their results, my advice is: remain calm, and, with your parents, look at all your options,” Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor said.
“There are so many opportunities open to you, you can still achieve all that you set out to do, but you may just have to take a slightly different route to get there. Whatever path you choose to take, this is an exciting time in your life and I wish you all the very best in your next chapter.”
Mitchell O’Connor also thanked all those who invested their time and energy and played a part in helping students achieve their grades.
Students are urged to put wellbeing ahead of grades and to seek help if they are struggling.
Niall Mulligan, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland, said exam stress can have a negative influence on the mental health of young people.
“Teenagers and parents need to remember that while exam results are important, it is equally important to support those who are struggling to cope with the pressure or who are unhappy with their achievements,” he said.
“Samaritans volunteers are available around the clock, seven days a week, providing emotional support and a listening ear to anyone who needs help on freephone 116 123. Anyone who feels uncomfortable talking on the phone can email [email protected] or text 087 260 9090 (standard text rates apply).”
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