Heywood Community School ‘thrilled’ with Leaving Cert results 

HEYWOOD Community School celebrated the outstanding achievements of its leaving certificate students after they received their results on 21 August.

“Our students have once again demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience and academic excellence, with this year's results reflecting their hard work and commitment over the past six years,” said principal Eamon Jackman.

Approximately 1,200 Laois pupils across 11 secondary schools sat the leaving certificate exams in 2026. A record number of candidates received results across the country: a total of 70,411 students, up 15 per cent on 2024.

“The results this year have been very good, with many students achieving top grades across a wide range of subjects,” said Eamon, adding: “These achievements will open doors to further education and career opportunities and we are confident that our students will continue to excel in whatever paths they choose to pursue.

“To witness our students return this morning with great excitement about the future ahead is one of the best days of the school year. We are very proud of each student. Their success is a testament not only to their individual efforts but also to the support and encouragement provided by our dedicated teaching staff, supportive parents and the wider Heywood community.

“Our teachers and SNAs have gone above and beyond to provide a learning environment that nurtures each student's potential, even in the face of challenges which have unfolded during their time here.

“On a personal level, I took great satisfaction chatting to many of the students this morning who visited the school and heard of the plans they have made for their future. Many have already secured employment or are accessing apprenticeships with local employers.” Eamon noted that with the changing employment landscape and “demand in certain sectors,” students are being very strategic in their career choice and “not merely following the media-driven route of third-level without assessing if it best suits their talents,” he said.

“I think they are to be commended for this.” Eamon says staff are excited about the year ahead as the school expands to four special classes and will introduce the leaving certificate applied programme (LCA) to fifth-year class, with a total of 15 students electing to apply.

“This combined with building renovations of our science labs and engineering room represents very exciting school development in Heywood,” he says.