National: Highest number of students ever to receive Junior Cert results

OVER 70,000 students will receive their Junior Certificate results today, a record number of results.

Up 5% compared to last year, some 70,727 students will get their results of their examinations which they sat in the summer. 

Depending on each individual school, results will be distributed at different times throughout the day. 

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Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) President, Geraldine O’Brien, said: “To all the students getting their results today, you have reached an important education milestone.

“Your experiences, efforts and learning will provide a sound basis on which to progress your future studies and your life after completing school.

“OECD research demonstrates that 15-year-olds in Ireland perform very well when compared to their international counterparts. They are amongst the top in the world for reading literacy and well above average for maths and science.”

This is the highest number of Junior Certificate candidates to ever sit these exams in the history of the State.

The ASTI President continued by warning that Ireland must protect its high performing education system by tackling the current crises of overcrowded classes and teacher shortages.

“ASTI research demonstrates that Junior Cycle classes in many subjects are over-crowded with approximately half of all students experiencing classes of at least 26 students and more,” said Ms O’Brien.

“Modern curricula require that significant practical, collaborative and experiential work takes place in the classroom. This is not sustainable in overcrowded classes. Teachers are simply not able to give every student the attention they require.”

She added that over-crowded classes also increase work intensity and workload for teachers: “It is essential that teaching is seen to be a sustainable and rewarding career choice.”