Leaving certificate results day at Clonaslee College

FOR students across the county and nationwide, the leaving certificate results were the culmination of six years’ of secondary education. The Laois Nationalist spoke to principals across the county to get the low-down on this year’s results.

In Laois alone, over 1,200 students took the leaving certificate and leaving certificate applied exams.

St Marys' CBS Portlaoise: One student scored the maximum 625 points this year, while there was great success for all the other students across the board. This year, many in St Mary’s are looking at careers in tech, with over 30 students putting themselves down for careers in computers, robotics, engineering, sports science and general science. Twenty-five sought degrees in business accounting, while secondary teaching and psychology also cropped up as another popular choice. Some were heading to the UK to study, while another two had signed on to join the army.

Mountmellick Community School: the top student received 587 points, with a significant number achieving over 500 points. Having introduced the leaving certificate applied programme in 2022, the school was particularly pleased that over 40 per cent of its students who went down this track received the maximum possible marks in the programme.

In an additional statement, the principal commented: "Having taken the decision to afford students the opportunity to access their results in school as in previous years rather than online, many preferred this option and it was marvellous to see their excitement and delight when opening their results."

Clonaslee Community School: among this year’s cohort of 27 leaving certificate and eight leaving certificate applied candidates, over 40 per cent of candidates received in excess of 400 points, while over 20 per cent received above 500 points. The leaving certificate applied (LCA) group also impressed, with 40% of the class earning distinctions, a great achievement that the management of Clonaslee Community School said reflected their hard work and the support they received throughout the year.

In a statement, the principal of the school, Sean Cotter, said he was delighted with the results in his first year as principal and especially proud of the students, having seen first-hand the hard work and commitment they put in throughout the year.

“Clonaslee College is delighted to congratulate the leaving certificate class of 2026 on their excellent results. The staff would like to acknowledge not only their academic achievements but also the young people they have become during their time at Clonaslee College. We are extremely proud of each and every one of them."