Portlaoise College celebrates Leaving Certificate class of 2026
Portlaoise College students collect their results
PORTLAOISE College is celebrating the achievements of its Leaving Certificate and LCA classes of 2026, as students receive their results today, 21 August.
Approximately 1200 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 from 2024.
Although results are now available online, many students, parents and staff of Portlaoise College gathered this morning to mark the milestone.
“The strong sense of community within the school saw many students gather to celebrate their results together”, says Deputy Principal Patrick Travers.
Midlands 103 broadcast live from Portlaoise College throughout the morning of the results. The celebrations were also supported by People First Credit Union, who provided a crepe van for students.
Patrick notes strong performances across a wide range of subjects, with particularly positive results in Mathematics and English, as well as in the school’s practical and technology-based subjects.
H1 grades were achieved across the full breadth of the curriculum, he says, “highlighting the ability of students to excel across both academic and practical areas”.
Ten students achieved 550 points or more, says Patrick, with Nikola Ilic becoming the school’s top scorer with an outstanding 613 points.
“This year’s results reflect the hard work of students in achieving their potential and progressing to their chosen pathways”, says Patrick, adding: “The next steps for the Class of 2026 will see students continue to pursue their interests in areas that reflect the changing world of work.
“Computer Science and STEM-related courses remain among the most popular choices for Portlaoise College students, reflecting a strong interest in technology, science, engineering and innovation.
“Teaching also continues to be a popular destination, with a number of students choosing to pursue careers in education and follow in the footsteps of the teachers and role models who have supported them throughout their school journey”.
Principal Noel Daly congratulated the students on their achievements: “Today is a very proud day for our students, their families and the Portlaoise College community. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 and to recognise the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time with us.
“While the Leaving Certificate results are an important milestone, they are only one part of the story. What makes us particularly proud is the young people these students have become. Our students are role models for the younger students who look up to them. They have shown that success is about much more than examination results. It is about developing confidence, character, resilience and a willingness to contribute to the community around you.
“I would like to congratulate every student on their results and thank their parents and guardians, teachers and all members of our school community who have supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of them, and we wish them every success as they take their next steps.”
Laois Nationalist,
