Numbers sitting exams in prisons down to 102

Among those getting their Junior Certificate results yesterday were more than 100 students who sat their exams in prisons.

The number of prisoners taking Junior Certificate papers has fallen from 141 last year and 108 in 2012 to 102 this year.

Some may have left prison since finishing the exams: For example, the person who did so at Cork Prison in June is no longer serving there.

According to the State Examinations Commission, results were issued in 187 subjects. Although the number might rise slightly as any appeals are finalised, it suggests that most jailed students took an exam in just one subject.

Last month, 68 students received results of Leaving Certificate exams that were taken in prison schools, down from 80 in 2012 and 74 two years ago.

The prisons and other places of detention where the SEC had Junior Certificate exam centres this year include Cork and Limerick prisons, both prisons in Portlaoise, Wheatfield and Cloverhill in Clondalkin, Arbour Hill, and four education units on the Mountjoy campus.

Also holding exams in June were Ballydowd special care school in Dublin, a secure residential unit for teenagers with emotional and behaviour difficulties, and Trinity House School and Oberstown Education centre, both in Lusk, Co Dublin.