Almost 56,000 Leaving Cert students to get results today

Nearly 56,000 Leaving Cert students are due to get their results later this morning.

The class of 2008 will find out exactly how they performed when the grades are released at schools from 9am.

Students can also access their results on the internet from midday.

The failure rate in Maths has increased again this year, with 5,000 students failing the subject. Only 17% took the Higher Level exam and the failure rate at Ordinary Level was 12%.

The employers’ group IBEC has expressed concern about these figures, saying it is critical that teachers are adequately trained to deliver on planned curriculum changes.

Elsewhere, there has also been an 11% decrease in the number of people taking Irish at Leaving Cert level, while students performed well in English, Geography and Economics.

Education Minister Batt O'Keefe is congratulating all students who completed the exams.

A number of helplines are open from early this morning to provide advice to concerned students and parents. The lines are being staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

The National Parents' Council can be contacted on 1800 265 165 and the Irish Times College Helpline number is 1800 946 942.