We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you’ve seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free
and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV By-Elections 2026 Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment Domino’s Best of the Box The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free
account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Over 145,000 students to begin their State exams today Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams kick off later this morning. 6.01am, 3 Jun 2026 Share options OVER 145,000 JUNIOR Cycle and Leaving Cert students will have their written exams kick off this morning. It’s a record number of candidates once again, up from 140,000 last year (although the number that sat exams was slightly lower at 138,000). For Leaving Cert students, English Paper 1 is first up.
Exams commence at 9.30am. English Paper 1 relates to comprehension, functional writing (which could include an article or a letter, among others), and composition, which is an option of essays. There are 170 minutes allocated to the paper. Home Economics will follow with the exam beginning at 2.30pm and continuing until 4.30pm. Junior Cycle students will also start their English paper at 9.30am, although their exam is two hours long and confined to one paper. It’s followed by religion, which begins at 1.30pm and continues
to 3.30pm. The examinations will run until Tuesday 23 June for the Leaving Certificate, Thursday 11 June for Leaving Certificate Applied, and Monday 15 June for Junior Cycle examinations. Advertisement Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton and Junior Minister Michael Moynihan both extended their best wishes to students ahead of the exams. Naughton also issued thanks to the students’ parents, teachers, and school communities. “Reaching this stage is a significant achievement, and every student should be immensely proud of what they have already accomplished,” she said. “Getting
to this point reflects years of hard work, commitment, resilience and determination, and that achievement deserves to be recognised.” She said that she understands exams can be both challenging and stressful, but while they are important, “they do not define you or determine a young person’s future on their own”. “Each student has unique talents, strengths and ambitions, and there are many different pathways available to help achieve your goals. “My message to students is to do your best, believe in yourselves and remember how
much you have already achieved. “Just as importantly, take care of your wellbeing over the coming weeks and look after one another. Support from friends, family and school communities can make a real difference during this period.” Sinn Féin’s Education spokesperson Derren O’Rourke similarly wished students luck in the exams and stressed that the exams are not the only route to achieving one’s goals. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone. A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away
from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Emma Hickey Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Over 145,000 students to begin their State exams today”. Recipient’s Email Feedback on “Over 145,000 students to begin their State exams today”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason
for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment. This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt
to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Name not provided Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View
our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion junior cycle Leaving Cert The Morning Lead Readers on private and public maternity care: ‘Women should have a choice until standards go up’ Christina Finn One person rescued and another still missing after boat sinks in Carlingford Lough CMAT extends ‘pints?’ invite to Olivia Rodrigo after surprise BBC Live Lounge cover Henry Nowak Police in the UK pelted with projectiles at rally over college student’s murder
join the club Trump’s policies and a ‘crazy world’ are forcing another country to reconsider joining the EU dublin homes Eoin Ó Broin: The government must support Dublin City Council’s proposals for Oliver Bond House Here’s what happened today: Tuesday Islandbridge Man who died swimming across River Liffey after alleged assault in Islandbridge named locally Bystander sustained stab wound during attack that killed 21-year-old man in Dublin city centre Niall O’Connor War of Words Michael Healy-Rae says his brother’s comments cost him his agriculture ministry
love island ‘Wifey material’: Galway footballer wastes no time looking for love as he makes villa debut more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV By-Elections 2026 Journal Media Advertise With Us Gender Pay Gap Report ’25 About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Gender Pay Gap Report ’25 Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms
& Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2026 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission
or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
State exams, Leaving Cert, Junior Cycle, Hildegarde Naughton, Michael Moynihan, Derren O’Rourke, English Paper 1, Home Economics, exams schedule, June 2026