THOUSANDS of students across Donegal began their State examinations this morning, with English marking the start of both the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle written exams.
A total of 5,241 students in Donegal are sitting State examinations this year.
Of these, 2,682 are taking the Junior Cycle examinations, 2,306 are sitting the Leaving Certificate and a further 253 are completing the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.
This year has seen record numbers of students registered for the examinations.
Nationally, more than 71,500 candidates are sitting the Leaving Certificate, representing an increase of nine per cent on last year.
The overall number of students registered for State examinations has surpassed 146,000 for the first time.
The exam period will continue until Tuesday, June 23.
Leaving Certificate results are scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21. As in recent years, students’ grades will again benefit from a post-marking adjustment.
The measure forms part of the government’s commitment to a gradual return to pre-pandemic grading levels while continuing to support students affected by the disruption of recent years.