Leaving Cert results were released on Friday, 21 August 2026. For many families, it will be a day of celebration, but for others it may bring disappointment, uncertainty and a lot of questions about what happens next.

If your teenager does not get the results or CAO points they were hoping for, it can feel as though the plan they had has suddenly disappeared. It hasn't, but they may need a little time before they are ready to hear that. They could be disappointed, embarrassed, worried about what their friends are doing, or afraid that they have let you down.

As a parent, your instinct may be to start looking for solutions straight away. You may want to check points, courses and alternative options immediately, but that does not always need to be the first conversation. Give them time to take in their results and let them know that you are there to help when they are ready. There will be time to work through the options properly.

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