The countdown has officially ended. Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4th, more than 66,000 students across Ireland will embark on their Leaving Certificate examinations. This pivotal moment not only signifies the culmination of their secondary school journey but also marks the exciting, albeit daunting, threshold of a new chapter in their lives.
For many, the Leaving Cert transcends a mere series of assessments. It’s a profound test of resilience, a crucial gateway to future aspirations, and an emotional farewell to formative school years. Students themselves describe the experience with a mix of emotions: “overwhelming,” “exciting,” and “nerve-wracking” are common refrains, often accompanied by a sense of pride in their perseverance and a palpable anxiety about what lies ahead.
This year’s exams arrive with an undercurrent of heightened pressure. The Department of Education is actively working to recalibrate grade inflation stemming from the pandemic era, which suggests that results may be tougher than those seen in recent years. This shift has led to concerns among some students and parents, who feel that the Class of 2025 is uniquely positioned at the heart of this transition. They are the first full cohort to sit traditional exams without the safety net of calculated or hybrid grading options.
Another prominent discussion point revolves around the continued impact of the 25 bonus CAO points awarded for achieving a pass in Higher Level Maths. While the policy has undeniably incentivized more students to tackle the subject, critics contend that it disproportionately favors mathematics over other equally vital disciplines. Nevertheless, a significant number of students are strategically opting for Higher Level Maths, hoping the additional points will provide a crucial boost to their college applications.
Despite these pressures, a wave of optimism is sweeping across the student body as they share their diverse hopes for the future. Some envision careers in medicine, engineering, or the arts, while others are still navigating their potential paths. Teachers and parents alike have lauded the remarkable resilience of this year’s cohort, particularly given the years of disrupted learning and pervasive uncertainty they have endured.
Key Dates for Leaving Cert 2025: A Student’s Guide
To help students and families navigate the demanding exam schedule, here’s a look at some of the major dates:
- Wednesday, June 4th:
- 09:30–12:20: English Paper 1 (Higher & Ordinary Level)
- 14:00–16:30: Home Economics (Scientific and Social)
- Thursday, June 5th:
- 09:30–12:00/12:30: Engineering (Ordinary & Higher Level)
- 14:00–17:20: English Paper 2
- Friday, June 6th:
- 09:30–12:20: Geography
- 14:00–16:30: Mathematics Paper 1 (All Levels)
- Monday, June 9th:
- 09:30–12:00: Mathematics Paper 2
- 14:00–16:20: Irish Paper 1 (Higher Level, incl. aural)
- 14:00–15:50: Irish Paper 1 (Ordinary Level)
- Tuesday, June 10th:
- 09:30–12:35: Irish Paper 2 (Higher Level)
- 14:00–17:00: Biology
- Wednesday, June 11th:
- 09:30–12:00: French (Written)
- 12:10–12:50: French (Aural)
- 14:00–16:50: History
- Thursday, June 12th:
- 09:30–12:30: Business (Higher Level)
- 14:00–16:30: Art, Visual Studies
- Friday, June 13th:
- 09:30–12:00: German (Written)
- 12:10–12:50: German (Aural)
- 14:00–17:00: Construction Studies (Higher Level)
The examinations will continue until Tuesday, June 24th, with key subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, and Design & Communication Graphics scheduled for the final week.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to take their seats, the entire nation watches with a mix of pride and unwavering support. Whether students are aiming for competitive university programs, pursuing apprenticeships, or taking time to discern their next steps, the Leaving Cert undeniably remains a monumental milestone in Irish life.
To all students: best of luck. You’ve prepared for this moment, and you’ve got this.
