The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has congratulated students receiving their Leaving Certificate results around the country today, highlighting the wide range of further and higher education options now open to them.
Comments from TUI President Anthony Quinn:
Congratulations to the Leaving Cert class of 2026!
‘We commend students for their hard work and dedication. They and their families should be proud of their achievements today. We sincerely congratulate them and wish them the very best now and in the future.’
Remarkably wide range of options open to students
‘Increasingly, education is a lifelong pursuit and it follows that the Leaving Certificate examination is a staging post on each individual’s education pathway, not a final destination.’
‘There is now a remarkably wide range of choices open to school-leavers. Along with options in Technological Universities/Institutes of Technology and Universities, students should keep in mind the various courses in Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) colleges. These offer standalone qualifications and the option of subsequent progression to higher education and training.’
‘With regard to apprenticeships, there is a considerable range of both traditional and new options.’
Unnecessary focus on CAO points
‘Once again, it is regrettable that much discourse at this time of year focuses on points alone. Students and their achievements should not be defined by these numbers.’
Senior Cycle redevelopment
‘Last year, TUI members voted to accept the negotiated implementation measures for Senior Cycle redevelopment in a national ballot.’
'As we would with any agreement, we will insist that the Department acts in good faith at all stages as the new Senior Cycle programme is rolled out. If Senior Cycle reform is to be successful, there must be meaningful consultation with the teacher unions when required and the timely provision of the required resources. Positive educational change cannot be achieved on a shoestring.’