Following a tough ordinary level maths paper on Friday for most Leaving Certificate students, reaction seemed much more positive to yesterday morning’s paper 2.

The highest number of students on record was entered for higher level maths and the first of two papers was considered fair.

Junior Certificate maths exams concluded yesterday morning and higher level students needed to be skilled at diagrams to do well.

The first maths papers for Junior Certificate students were taken yesterday evening and around 32,000 were taking the higher level exam.

Teachers decided they would prefer some inspections of their work to continue unannounced than to have the worry of a week’s notice that some of their colleagues were proposing.

Many newly qualified teachers earn just €13,000 per year for almost a decade on short hours and short-term contracts.