Pens down and hearts racing as almost 1,600 Longford students start state exams today

Today marks a big day for hundreds of Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate students in Longford, as they begin their exams this morning, (Wednesday, June 4).

The first two Leaving Cert exams of the day are English Paper One and Home Economics, while Junior Cycle students will sit English and Religion.

An estimated 677 students from Longford's nine secondary schools are taking the Leaving Certificate, with a further 61 doing the Leaving Certificate Applied. Around 844 students across the county are sitting their Junior Cycle exams.

This year sees record numbers of candidates sitting state exams, with 140,457 students across the country beginning what is often a stressful but hard-earned week.

The exams will continue until Tuesday, June 24 for the Leaving Certificate, Thursday, June 12 for the Leaving Certificate Applied, and Monday, June 16 for the Junior Cycle.

The increase in student numbers is largely due to demographic growth. This year marks the first time the number of candidates has exceeded 140,000. The total number of students entered for the 2025 certificate examinations has risen by three percent compared to last year’s entry of 136,160. The most significant increase is in the Leaving Certificate programme, which has seen a five percent rise.

READ NEXT: Don't miss your chance to win a new Toyota RAV4 or €50,000 in Club Longford draw

1,582 students in Longford are part of over 140,000 teenagers sitting their exams this week. It is an anxious and stressful time, with no pressure quite like academic pressure. The best advice for students includes getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, eating well and avoiding caffeine, creating a study plan, finding a quiet place to focus, and taking time to de-stress – putting down the phone can make a big difference.

Speaking before the start of the exams, Ms Jacinta Stewart, Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission (SEC), said, “Today marks a real milestone in the educational journey for the thousands of candidates taking the State examinations.

Also read: Longford Garda ‘thought of colleagues who were killed’ as ‘menace to society’ crashed into patrol car

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the staff of the SEC, I want to offer our sincere best wishes to all those taking examinations this year.

“I also want to express my appreciation to parents and families as well as school communities for supporting these candidates at this very important time in their lives,” she added.

PICTURES | Over 500 innovative Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects

Best of luck to all students across Longford sitting their exams today.