Updated 14:00
More than 57,000 students across the country are getting their Leaving Cert results today.
The results have seen improvements in the grades achieved in higher level maths and science subjects.
This is the second year of the simplified marking system, with just eight grade levels.
Seven students achieved eight H1 results - the highest grade - this year.
The State Examinations Commission says the results this year are 'broadly in line' with last year's.
In higher maths, the percentage of students in the top three grades was up three points on last year.
Leaving Cert Results. Pictured (LtoR) celebrating their Leaving Cert Results as Minister For Education Richard Bruton TD looks on in Pobalscoil Neasain school, Baldoyle, Dublin this morning. Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
The percentage of top-three grades in higher level English and Irish was down slightly on 2017.
Almost 4,000 pupils appear to have failed maths, including around 10% of all those who sat the ordinary level paper.
However, there's good news for higher level science students, with top three level grades in Physics and Chemistry edging up slightly.
In Biology, the percentage of students getting one of the top three grades jumped from 39.6% to 45% this year.
.@mitchelloconnor with students from Pearce College of Further Educatiom in Crumlin getting their #LeavingCert results pic.twitter.com/UF1Fc63gRB
— Paul Quinn (@PaulQuinnNews) August 15, 2018
'Culmination of years of hard work'
Education Minister Richard Bruton congratulated all of those receiving their results today.
He said: "Today is the culmination of years of hard work and you should all be so proud of the work you have put in and what you have achieved."
He also said anyone who doesn't get the results they want shouldn't feel disheartened.
He stressed: "There's always roads back into the pathway you choose.
"The idea that one exam determines your life is not true... there are so many options for you to pursue your chosen ambitions".
Students have been collecting results from their schools this morning, with the online results to be released at noon.
A helpline for those receiving their results has been opened, and is available on 1800 265 165 until August 22nd.
.@RichardbrutonTD on hand to launch the @NPCpp national helpline as 57’000 students get their #leavingcert2018 results pic.twitter.com/S2eEwLgprR
— Paul Quinn (@PaulQuinnNews) August 15, 2018
