Students of a Laois school were beaming with pride following the release of their Leaving Cert results on Friday. 

The Leinster Express / Laois Live was on the scene for reactions at Mountmellick Community School.

Many Mountmellick Community School students logged into the State Exams Commission's website online to receive their results, with many students opting to collect a physical copy from the school.

Over 50% of Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) students at the school received distinctions, a figure that is above the national average. This is the school's third year to offer the LCA course to students.

Pictured: Mountmellick CS Deputy Principal Frances Kerry Rossi and Principal Larry Curtin with the envelopes of printed Leaving Cert results, ready to hand out to students.

Principal Larry Curtin congratulated the 90 Leaving Cert students on their fantastic results.

"This class was one of the final smaller groups, as the school is rapidly expanding, with 132 students expected for next year," Mr Curtin said.

"We are once again delighted to see that despite the manner the SEC has reduced grades, our results are still at a very high standard, in some cases higher than previous years.

"This wouldn't be possible without the huge commitment of so many staff members, not only in Leaving Cert but throughout these children's education in Mountmellick Community School," Mr Curtin praised.

"I'm delighted to see all of our students doing exceptionally well. Approximately 10% of students got in excess of 550 points. Two students received over 600 points, and we are also delighted to see that LCA students have achieved way above the national average, with 50% of students getting overall distinctions," he said.

Pictured: Students Dillon Moore, Seán Hendley, Killian Carroll and Alex Melia.

"There is no evidence of any national reduction in grades here. It's fair to say that overall, we are ahead of last year," Mr Curtin finished.

Deputy Principal Frances Kerry-La Rosa encouraged students to avail of supports provided by the school.

"It's our tradition to invite the students in, so all the students were invited in for 12pm. A good number have shown up," she said.

"We want them here, we have a guidance counsellor, a chaplain and their year head here, it's important for them to be here whether they are disappointed or elated, we want to be here for them," the Deputy Principal said.

"It's about them being happy today, our door is open and we expect another slew in next week when the CAO places are announced," she finished.

Students were delighted with their results, with many surprised with their achievements.

Student Alisa Holohan was shocked and elated.

"I'm really happy, I didn't expect what I got. I'm going to do an arts degree," she said.

Pictured: Students Alisa Holohan, Aoife Mahon and Rachel Feery

"My favourite subjects were biology and art, and I got a H2 in them which is fantastic," she said.

Student Aoife Mahon was also over the moon.

"I passed maths, I didn't expect to do that," she said.

"It's because I got grinds. I'm also very happy with my home economics results, I am thinking of doing nursing. I have an auntie who does nursing who inspires me," Aoife finished.

Congratulations to Mountmellick CS students!

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