The results are out, the celebrations are done, so what's next?

Leaving Cert 2026: Key dates to watch out for next

by · RTE.ie

Now that the Leaving Cert results are out, what are the key dates to watch out for next?

Guidance counsellor Donnchadh O'Mahony brings us through the dates students need to mark in their calendar for script viewings, offers and appeals.

Donnchadh O'Mahony offers advice via Leaving Cert Guidance on Instagram

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 12pm

Students can log on to their Candidate Self Service Portal to see the component marks for the different parts of each subject they have taken.

"You will have to calculate those component marks into a percentage and see how far they are off the next grade," Mr O Mahony explained.

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 5pm

Students can apply online to view their Leaving Cert scripts.

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 2pm

CAO first round offers begin.

Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 12pm

The CAO Available Places facility opens for 2026. This facility lists college courses that still have open spots, which CAO applicants and new applicants can apply for.

"Maybe you’ve seen your friends getting CAO first round offers and maybe you didn’t apply for the CAO," Donnchadh O’Mahony explained.

"Last year, you thought you didn’t want to go to college and now you think you want to get that college experience.

"You can open a CAO account for Available Places courses. Any courses that are not going to be filled will be on Available Places, both Level 8 and Level 6,7 courses," Mr O’Mahony said.

Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 9am

Students will be able to view their scripts online for 24 hours until 9am on Sunday, 30 August.

"On Saturday, while you might be celebrating down at Electric Picnic, you’ll be able to view your scripts online so find a good spot with internet to do this," Mr O’Mahony said.

Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5pm - deadline to appeal results

Applications to appeal your results must be made through the Candidate Self Service Portal between 10am Sunday, 30 August to 5pm Monday, 31 August.

"A very, very short window there. Students have just over 24 hours to make that application to appeal," Mr O Mahony explained.

The State Examinations Commission Candidate Portal helpline will be available at 1800 111 135 or 1800 111 136 from 9am to 5pm from Friday, 21 August.