Leaving Cert 2026: Key dates for students after results

Students who have received their Leaving Cert results can now focus on the next crucial steps in their academic journey. Guidance counsellor Donnchadh O'Mahony outlines key dates for accessing marks, viewing scripts, and understanding the CAO offer process.

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You will have to calculate those component marks into a percentage and see how far they are off the next grade,

From Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 12 pm, students can log into their Candidate Self Service Portal to review component marks for each subject. This allows them to assess how close they were to achieving higher grades. Later that day, at 5 pm, the online application window opens for students wishing to view their examination scripts.

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Maybe you’ve seen your friends getting CAO first round offers and maybe you didn’t apply for the CAO. Last year, you thought you didn’t want to go to college and now you think you want to get that college experience. You can open a CAO account for Available Places courses.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) begins its first round of offers on Wednesday, August 26, at 2 pm. The following day, Thursday, August 27, the CAO Available Places facility will launch. This resource lists college courses with remaining spots, accessible to both current CAO applicants and new applicants who may have decided to pursue higher education later.

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On Saturday, while you might be celebrating down at Electric Picnic, you’ll be able to view your scripts online so find a good spot with internet to do this,

For students considering an appeal, a very short window exists. Applications must be submitted through the Candidate Self Service Portal between 10 am on Sunday, August 30, and 5 pm on Monday, August 31, giving them just over 24 hours to act. The State Examinations Commission helpline will be available for assistance.

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A very, very short window there. Students have just over 24 hours to make that application to appeal,