Updated at 13:11
Almost 61,000 students have collected their Leaving Cert exam results on Friday, with thoughts now turning to celebrations.
A post marking adjustment of 7.5 per cent on average was added to grades this year due to disruption caused by the pandemic.
Calculated grades and the marking adjustment led to grade inflation during Covid, with attention now on when it will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Speaking to Newstalk, Minister for Education, Norma Foley was asked about it at St Michael's College in Listowel, Co Kerry.
"The adjustments that were on the paper last year would remain in place for the students of 2025. I did say from 2025 we would see the adjustment being reduced.
She said the State Examination Commission (SEC) will determine how long that will take, but she is very clear it "should not be a cliff edge and rather a small reduction over a number of years."
The Minister’s intervention has resulted in more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of students’ grades going up.
The post-marking adjustments were made by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) after the exam papers were marked in the normal way. The increase in marks was, on average, 7.5 per cent.
The range of adjustment was from 12.1 per cent added to those at the bottom of the scale to 4.8 per cent added at the top.
However, the results next year will be lower on aggregate as part of the Department of Education’s plan to make a gradual return to normal results.
The current results are around seven percentage points higher than those at pre-Covid-19 levels.
A total of 60,839 candidates will receive Leaving Certificate results this year, some 56,791 candidates followed the Leaving Certificate (established) programme and 4,048 (6.6 per cent) candidates followed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.
Data released by the SEC shows that the numbers sitting the two newest Leaving Certificate subjects continue to rise.
The cohort sitting physical education is up by approximately 12 per cent and computer science up by approximately 28 per cent.
Interim chairperson of the SEC Martin Sisk offered his congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2024.
“I, and my fellow commissioners, would like to offer you our sincere congratulations as you receive your Leaving Certificate results today,” he said.
“Results day is an important point in your lives and you should be proud of your efforts and all that you have achieved.
“I would also like to acknowledge your families for the support they have provided you with on your educational journey so far.”
He added: “In all of our work on the 2024 Leaving Certificate, we have endeavoured to ensure that candidates are treated fairly and equitably, that results are of the highest standards of quality, and that there is full transparency for candidates.
“I would urge all candidates to ensure they are fully informed about their results and to avail of the opportunity to access the Candidate Portal next Tuesday when they can see more information such as their component marks and the impact of the post-marking adjustment.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris said Leaving Cert results day is a “milestone” in a young person’s life.
“I hope our students across Ireland enjoy the final chapter in their school lives,” he said in a statement.
“The range of emotions students will experience today will go from delight to disappointment but it’s so important to keep everything in perspective.
“Receiving the Leaving Cert results is not only about points on a page but the beginning of the next stage of your life.
“That might be college, work, an apprenticeship, a PLC or a path that you haven’t yet decided on.”
The National Parents and Students Leaving Cert Helpline on 1800 265 165 will operate from Friday until Saturday August 31st, from 10am to 5pm each day, except for Sunday August 25th when it will be closed and Saturday August 31st when it will be open from 10am to 2pm.
