Leaving Cert results out today

Almost 60,000 students are due to receive their Leaving Cert results today.

The results can be collected at individual schools from this morning and via the State Exam Commission's phonelines and website from midday.

The National Parents Council has established a helpline manned by guidance counsellors to provide information and advice to students worried about a range of issues, including points, grants and third-level courses.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey has advised pupils not to get too worried if their results are lower than expected.

"They've done everything they can," he said. "Obviously some people will get what they wanted to get, others may be a bit disappointed, but they should remember that the Leaving Cert is only a stage in life. There are thousands of courses and ways they can get the jobs that they want or into the colleges that they want."

This year's overall results are broadly in line with those of previous years, but most subjects recorded an increase in the percentage of students receiving A, B and C grades on higher-level papers.

The overall number of A1s increased by 15% compared to last year's figures.

Teachers and businessmen who recently expressed concern about a lack of interest in science subjects will also be happy to learn that the number of people sitting chemistry and physics exams increased slightly this year. 15% of chemistry students also received A1 grades this year, compared to 11.5% last year.

In total today, 390,000 grades will be awarded in 31 different subjects.

Pupils who are disappointed with their results can view their marked papers later in the year if they lodge a request within the next seven days.

Those who wish to appeal their grades must do so by September 3.