Ministers McEntee and Moynihan congratulate students receiving the results of their Junior Cycle examinations today
- Published on: 8 October 2025
- Last updated on: 8 October 2025
Minister for Education Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan have extended their congratulations to the more than 73,000 students receiving Junior Cycle examination results today (8 October).
Today's results will reflect the change to Junior Cycle grade bands announced by Minister McEntee in April this year. This change sees the top four grade descriptors (Distinction, Higher Merit, Merit, and Achieved) being evenly distributed in bands of fifteen percentage points. The decision to make this change followed careful consideration by the Department of Education and Youth in conjunction with the State Exam Commission (SEC) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) taking on board feedback about the impact that the previous grade bands may have been having on the teaching and learning experience. Today sees 646,602 grades being issued across 21 individual subjects examined.
Minister McEntee said:
“To the 73,336 students receiving Junior Cycle examinations results, I want to send my heartiest congratulations to you all on reaching this milestone. Through your work, and through your engagement in all that Junior Cycle has to offer, you have gained in knowledge, skills and experience that will stand you as you embark on the next stage of your education journey. I want to wish you all the very best for the exciting next steps that lie ahead.
“I would also like to take a moment to recognise and appreciate the many ways in which your families, teachers and school communities have guided you and supported you towards reaching this milestone today.
"Changes to the grade bands this year will help to ensure that the grades awarded are reflective of students' work and effort, and that of their teachers, on the journey of learning and engagement that is at the heart of Junior Cycle. I am delighted that the State Examinations Commission were able to implement this change in time for the 2026 results and my sincere thanks go to them as always, and to all of those who have been involved in completing the examination process.”
Minister Moynihan said:
“Congratulations to each and every student receiving results today, particularly those with special educational needs. Your own hard work and commitment, and the support of your families, teachers, Special Needs Assistants, and schools, have combined to bring you to this wonderful moment in your learning journey. Congratulations to you and to all those who have supported, guided and encouraged you throughout the past three years of Junior Cycle.
Junior Cycle examinations results will be issued in schools today. Candidates who are unable to attend school can also access their results online through the SEC website from 4pm.