There appeared to be almost unanimous joy among students across Galway receiving their Leaving Certificate results in what could be the last year of grade inflation.

A total of 3,079 sat the final secondary school exam this year, with a further 142 sitting the Leaving Cert Applied. Up to 80% of them had never sat any major State exam after doing Transition Year and skipping the 2021 Junior Cycle exams.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) adjusted the marks upwards to ensure results were no lower on average than those in 2023, with 68% of all grades increased following the marking process.

The average adjustment was 7.5%, ranging from 12.1% added to those at the bottom of the scale to 4.8% added at the top.

Principal of St Killian’s College in New Inn outside Ballinasloe, Pádraig Kelly, said even allowing for grade inflation their grades were hugely impressive, with up to 70% of students achieving a H1 or top mark in some subjects.

“That’s a phenomenal achievement. Almost 10% of St Killian’s students achieved over 600 points and 40% achieved over 500 points,” he exclaimed.

“As principal, I am very proud of all our students’ results and the fact that students in our community do not need to travel in order to achieve the highest results.

“There was a wonderful atmosphere on Friday when most of our Leaving Cert students came in to the school to meet with their former teachers and it is very rewarding to see so many happy faces, both staff and students after a number of very challenging years.

“The resilience that they have built in recent years will certainly stand to them in the future.”

Head of the region’s biggest school, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Alan Mongey, said students and teachers were delighted with this year’s results.

“Here 22% achieved more than 550 points compared to a national percentage of 13%; 40% achieved more than 500 points compared to a national percentage of 24%, while 75% achieved more than 400 points compared to 51% nationally,” he told the Connacht Tribune.

A number of students achieved 625 points with 6A1s while a high number over 600 with 6A1s outside of Maths. One student achieved a phenomenal 7A1s.

Caption: Portumna Community School students Liam O’Sullivan, Michael Duggan and Shauna Parry who received a maximum of 625 LC points.

Read our full round-up on results in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.