More students than ever are sitting the Leaving Cert this year, with 66,911 candidates opening English Paper One on Wednesday morning. It is the highest figure ever recorded, edging past the previous peak set in 1995 and marking a significant start to exam season in schools and centres across the country.
A record year begins in exam halls nationwide
Across the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle exams, a total of 146,553 candidates are taking part this year. That makes 2026 a landmark year for the State exams, with numbers up notably on last year.
There is another important detail in this year’s Leaving Cert story. The number of special examination centres has risen to 11,600, up from 10,000 in 2025. These smaller settings support students who may need reading or writing assistance, or who are managing medical or behavioural needs during exams.
More support, and a first for some students
About 30,000 students across junior and senior cycle are eligible for help through the RACE scheme this year. For the first time, those candidates will receive an extra 10 minutes to complete their papers. It is a small change on paper, but for many students, it could make a real difference.
- 66,911 students are sitting the Leaving Cert today
- 146,553 candidates are taking State exams overall
- 11,600 special exam centres are in use nationwide
- 30,000 students are receiving RACE supports
This year also marks the first assessments for students in Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, introduced for young people with complex learning and development needs. Their achievements will be recognised alongside other senior cycle results on August 21st.
As the Leaving Cert gets under way, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton urged students to do their best and mind their wellbeing. For many families, that will be the line that stays with them this morning: do your best, and look after one another. Image Courtesy: The Irish Times
