The leader of the main secondary teachers' union has said that Leaving Certificate results should be sent to students' homes in future to reduce the "tension and hype" associated with collecting them from schools. Mr John Hurley, president of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, said offers of university and college places were sent to students' homes by the Central Admissions Office, "so why can't we see Leaving Certificate results sent to their homes also? The technology exists which would make this possible.
"The collection of results from schools can be the cause of considerable tension and stress for students, parents and family members. Receiving exam results at home would allow all involved a measure of privacy and a chance to reflect in an atmosphere of support and restraint."
He said the publication of the Leaving Cert results was "a time of great anxiety for students" and it was important for those advising them "to deal in a calm and rational manner with their results and to keep in perspective the implications for their lives. The quality of results achieved by individual students must be measured against the student's talents and abilities".
All but about 5,000 external pupils will receive their Leaving Cert results tomorrow morning at their schools. In most schools, the principal collects the results early from the local postal sorting office and distributes them to pupils at the time they normally arrive at school, around 9 a.m.
Mr Hurley also expressed concern about "the points system changing the Leaving Certificate into an entrance exam for university.
"There are many students who do very good Leaving Certs and who may not get into university, or may not want to get into university, or can't afford to go to university. It's important that their good results should be equally acknowledged.
"Also, there may be students who get insufficient points, and who's to say that they wouldn't be successful doctors, dentists and other professionals?" Acknowledging there had to be a cut-off point, he asked: "Does it have to be so very high?"