Students in Cork who earned eight H1 grades in this year’s Leaving Certificate have shared their approach to managing stress and staying focused, according to the Irish Examiner.
In an article published Friday, the students said that taking time to “clear the head” was central to their success. They described how stepping away from study materials helped them maintain concentration over the long exam period, the paper reports.
The Leaving Certificate results were released on Friday, 21 August 2026, with a record number of students receiving their grades, as reported by the Irish Independent. The Irish Examiner’s piece is one of several published on results day, with other outlets covering individual success stories, including a student who left school in second year and still achieved 625 points, per The Irish Times.
The Cork students’ comments add to a broader conversation about exam preparation. Their emphasis on mental breaks aligns with advice from support services, such as that highlighted by South East Radio, where Wexford student Harrison Rossiter McGuire urged peers to make use of available help.
The Irish Examiner did not specify the students’ school or their exact study schedules, but the report focuses on their shared belief that regular downtime was key to performing well across eight subjects.
With results now out, attention turns to the next steps for students. RTE.ie has noted key dates to watch for after results, including timelines for appeals and college offers. Students who want to query their grades or adjust their course choices should keep an eye on those upcoming deadlines.
