Nearly 2 per cent more pupils sat the State exams this summer compared to last year.

Most students will collect their grades in school but the results will also be available online at examinations.ie after 4 pm.

Jackie O'Callaghan of the National Parents' Council says it's important to put the experience into perspective:Meanwhile parents are being encouraged to keep an eye out for underage drinking amid Junior Cert celebrations.

A recent European survey showed that half of all 16 year olds in this country reported drinking alcohol in the last month.

While 84 per cent say getting their hands on booze is 'very easy'.

Fionnuala Sheehan from Drink Aware has this advice for parents who want to help their children avoid temptation: