The countdown is nearly over. For thousands of young people across Ireland – and the parents supporting them – Friday, 22nd August brings the moment you’ve all been waiting for (and maybe quietly dreading): Leaving Cert results day.
It’s one of those dates that feels big. Huge, even. It’s natural for students to feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and everything in between. As a parent, you might be feeling just as tense—hoping your child gets what they worked for, wondering what the next steps might be if they don’t.
Here’s the truth: whatever the envelope or screen says, there are always next steps. And you don’t have to figure them out alone.
Step One: Logging In Without Meltdown
Results are released through the Candidate Self Service Portal (CSSP). Your teen will need their Examination Number, password, and PPS number to log in. (Top tip: double-check they have those to hand before 10am on the day.)
If there are any issues logging in, don’t panic. These things happen. The school or State Examinations Commission can help get access sorted quickly.
Once you’ve got the results, take a moment. Whether they’re jumping for joy or holding back tears, let it all land. Then breathe.
Step Two: What Do These Numbers Actually Mean?
Now it’s time to turn results into CAO points. These are calculated from your child’s six best subjects. If they took Higher Level Maths and earned at least an H6, they’ll also receive 25 bonus points.
To make the numbers less stressful, use one (or both) of these free online tools:
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The CareersPortal Points Calculator is quick and student-friendly.
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The official CAO Points Calculator (at cao.ie/points_calc) lets you enter up to eight subjects, including LCVP, and automatically selects the highest six.
These calculators will help you figure out their final score so you can move on to the next big question: “Where do we stand with college offers?”
Step Three: What If the Points Don’t Match the Dream?
Once you’ve got a total, you can compare it to previous entry points using the CAO PointsFinder, which updates for 2025 at 2pm on Tuesday, 27th August. The CAO Points Finder for 2025 will be available on the Central Applications Office (CAO) website and CareersPortal.ie after the Leaving Cert results are released. It’s easy to feel disheartened if the points aren’t quite enough for their first choice. But the college system is wider and more flexible than many realise.
Here’s what to remember:
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Offers can still come for lower preferences. Many students end up loving a course they hadn’t initially considered.
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Second-round offers can open up further chances in the weeks ahead.
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Appeals are possible. If your child feels something’s not right, they can view their exam scripts and submit a formal appeal. This needs to happen quickly, so get advice from the school straight away.
Step Four: Exploring Plan B (Which Might Turn Out to Be Plan A)
Not everyone’s path goes straight from Leaving Cert to university, and that’s okay. There are fantastic alternatives that open doors and build skills just as effectively.
PLC Courses (Post-Leaving Certificate courses) are often one year long and include practical training, work experience, and progression routes into degrees later. They’re particularly good for students who need a bit more time, confidence, or clarity about what they want next.
Apprenticeships combine hands-on experience and training with paid work. From trades to tech, they’re a brilliant option for those who want to learn by doing rather than sitting in lecture halls.
And then there’s the gap year. This is not a sign of giving up, but a powerful pause. With the right structure (a job, travel, volunteering, or part-time study), a gap year can offer maturity, independence, and direction.
Step Five: Keep the Bigger Picture in Sight
This day can bring a rollercoaster of emotions. Students might compare themselves to friends. Parents might compare their child’s path to someone else’s. But the most important message is this:
Exam results are a snapshot. Not the whole story.
Some students bloom early. Others take a little longer to find their path and often they go further because of it. Remember to show your student that, no matter what the numbers say, you are proud of them and will be there to help them with their next steps.
What matters now is how you move forward. Open conversations. A realistic plan. And lots of reassurance.
Final Thoughts from a Teacher Who’s Seen It All
Over the years, I’ve seen students soar with stellar results, and I’ve seen others bounce back stronger after a tough results day. The common thread? Support, clarity, and belief.
As a parent, your belief matters more than you know. Be their steady hand. Help them see that success doesn’t always come wrapped in a CAO offer on day one. I am an example of that. I did not get into the university courses that I applied for when I was leaving school. I took a year out, applied to different universities and got an unconditional acceptance. I then went on to have a great career in education and complete a Master’s degree!
This is the start of something new – not the end of the road.
So take a breath. Celebrate the wins. Talk through the options. Trust the process. And keep reminding them (and yourself): there’s no one right way to build a bright future.