THERE were joyful scenes in Letterkenny secondary schools today as students received their much-anticipated Leaving Cert results.
Over 2,500 students received their results across Donegal after sitting their exams in June, with 253 students completing the Leaving Cert Applied programme.
The results were released through an online portal at 10am and many students came into school to open their printed results and celebrate with friends, family and teachers.
In Loreto Letterkenny, students Aislinn Devlin and Tara Burke achieved the maximum of 625 points.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Tara said: “I’m delighted. I couldn’t be happier with my results. They were supposed to come out at 10 but from 9:30, I was refreshing the page to see.
“It was very nerve-wracking the last couple of days and when I got them I was so delighted. I ran around the house telling everyone.”
Aislinn added: “I was shocked when I opened them. You do put in the hard work but you never really know if the day is going to pay off, so it’s very good when you see the results that you’ve worked for.”
Both Aislinn and Tara hope to study in Queen’s University Belfast. Tara wants to study Irish and Broadcast Production and Aislinn wants to study either Medicine or Psychology.
Principal of Loreto Letterkenny, Ms Caroline McHugh said: “Today is about celebrating every one of our students and recognising the hard work, commitment, and determination that has brought them to this point.
“As school principal and the teachers and all our school staff, we are immensely proud of each and every one of our students. And there really is a wonderful sense of joy in the school today as we share this really important milestone for our students.
“Every student’s journey is different, so we’re celebrating individual achievement in all its forms. There’s a path ahead for each and every one of our students, and today marks the beginning of that exciting new chapter for them.
“We have watched them grow into young women who are confident, independent, resilient, and today we’re not only marking the results, we’re marking the wonderful young women that they have become. And we wish each and every one of them every success as they move out into the world, be that through college or all the various options that are available.”
There were also celebrations in Errigal College Letterkenny this morning.
A notable amount of H1 grades were achieved by students, particularly in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and modern languages.
The student with the highest points in Errigal College was Javier Rojas, who plans to study Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD).
“We’re really happy with the grades in honours maths this year,” said Deputy Principal, Ms Deirdre Markham.
“There’s also been excellent results in Computer Science and Engineering. One of our students completed a placement in the Netherlands and that changed her mind from wanting to study Mechanical Engineering to Civil Engineering in ATU Donegal.”
Ms Markham added that there has been an increase in the number of girls studying Engineering for their Leaving Cert, as well as boys studying Home Economics.
Principal Danny McFadden said: “There was plenty of excitement among students getting their results this morning. We had a lovely morning with tea and cake for the students.
“The guidance counsellors will be in next week to help students with the initial round of CAO offers.”
Mr McFadden acknowledged that some students may not have received the results they wanted.
He has reminded those students that there are many alternative pathways into third level education and countless other opportunities to pursue.
“Some students may not get the required points for their course, but their destination is not defined by points,” said Mr McFadden.
“At Donegal ETB, we offer apprenticeships and Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses and we’re very proud of that.”
A total of six H1 grades, including a H1 in Higher Level Maths, is needed to achieve the maximum 625 points.
According to the State Examinations Commission (SEC), the number of top grades has dropped compared to last year.
This comes as grade inflation introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be phased out, with grades returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Staff and students of Errigal College in Letterkenny celebrate their Leaving Cert results. Photo: Paddy Molloy.