Students were very happy with both the Leaving Cert business and art papers, which featured a wide choice of questions and “no big surprises".

It’s such an exciting time in food and even though the figures for obesity and Type 2 diabetes continue to increase, there are real grounds for optimism as growing numbers don their Lycra and take to their bikes or run or swim or walk.

Margo McGann, of the ASTI, said the higher level Leaving Cert business exam was fair but really tested knowledge, so only the most dedicated and focused students would have earned top grades.

Leaving Certificate students got down to business in the morning and needed some quite specific knowledge on many of the questions.