'The results were very good'

The vast majority of the 100 students who sat the Leaving Cert at Coláiste Mhuire this year did “very well”, according to new principal Keith Quinn.

“The results were very good. Many were what we would have expected. We had a big number of students who would have achieved over 500 points. That gives them great opportunities moving forward."

While a significant number of students achieved high points, Mr Quinn, who replaced Malachy Flanagan as principal in the summer, said that when it comes to the Leaving Cert Coláiste Mhuire views students' achievements in broader terms.

“I suppose some of the bigger successes we would look at as a school are the lads who achieved maybe 200 or 250 points and overcame huge difficulties to be able to achieve that.

“It's a personal triumph for them. Regardless of what the points are, and we've had fantastic results across the board, it's a personal achievement for each student and their families. That's what we focus on as a school.”

The competition for college places is going to be intense once again this year and Mr Quinn says that it is “a bit disappointing that there is this lag phase from today's results and the CAO offers coming out next Thursday”.

“There is that level of the unknown there as a result of it. I suppose though it's all relative really.

"The main thing for us in Coláiste Mhuire is that students have choices and that they know what those choices are. We have our support team here - the career guidance counsellors in the school.

“Their role is guiding students with the choices that they are going to have to make next Thursday. For some students it will be very straight forward and they'll get their first choice and they'll move on. For others they may be contemplating whether to do a Level 7 or a Level 8 [qualification], to take a year out or to pursue something abroad.

“There are so many options there and that is where our focus will be, to make sure that the students are supported and guided so that they can make a fully informed decision.

“...From speaking with the career guidance teachers it would look at the moment as if most are on track to pursue the courses or routes to further education that they want to pursue. For some they are a little bit anxious. That's natural because no one knows what way the points will be next Thursday, but it's about looking at the options and keeping the different routes open and that is what we are focussing on.”

See Tuesday's Westmeath Examiner for more pics and reaction for Coláiste Mhuire and other local schools.