57,000 students to get Leaving Cert results today

More than 57,000 students throughout the country are due to get their Leaving Cert results later this morning.

The results - which are broadly in line with previous years - will be available at schools nationwide from 8am.

They can be also be accessed through the State Exams Commission website or by telephone from noon.

There are no major surprises in the overall results, but concerns about falling standards in maths and science subjects are reinforced, with relatively high numbers failing in both Honours and Ordinary Level papers.

An exam helpline for both parents and children is due to open at 8am to provide advice about re-checks, repeats, college courses and job opportunities. The number is 1800 256 165.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has urged anybody with concerns about their results to contact the helpline, which is manned by trained counsellors.

The Irish Parents Council, meanwhile, is urging parents to remain calm and not put too much pressure on their children.