Helpline to offer advice and reassurance

The long wait has come to an end for more than 62,000 students who are due to receive their Leaving Certificate results tomorrow. Emotions are certain to be running high as students make their way back to school, possibly for the last time.

The National Parents Council Exam Helpline, now in its 11th year, will offer advice and reassurance to students and parents. "Last year, 71 per cent of calls received on results day were from parents," says Mr John Whyte of the council.

"We get frantic calls from parents asking if their child has enough points for a certain course, when it's impossible at this stage to know. It's not that the calls aren't genuine, but we would ask students to explain to their parents beforehand how the points system works and to leave the CAO handbook with them so they can consult it if in doubt."

This is the first year that students will be able to get their results over the phone by quoting their exam and PIN numbers. Mr Whyte encourages students to go down to their schools anyway so that they can get support from their teachers and friends and give support to others. "It can be a very lonely thing, getting results over the telephone whether you think you've done well or not."

Mr Whyte tells students who may not have got the marks they wanted to remember that there were many options open to them. "Even if you fail your Leaving Cert you can still do a Post-Leaving Certificate course," he says. "No matter how you do, it's a great achievement just to have sat the exams."

Mr Peter Byrne, director of the National Youth Council, advises: "Your impulses may tell you to make a decision immediately, but there's no need to make decisions today, or even for another week." He recommends that students talk over the results with family and friends and their career guidance teachers. "Make sure the job or the course is the one you really want."

Getting you results is "a huge achievement" and students should "by all means go out and celebrate". To make the most of the night, however, he asks students to, "keep a sense of balance" if they intend to drink. "You don't want the memory of a brilliant day ruined by over-consumption of alcohol."

The NPC supports this view and says publicans have a part to play. "Publicans have a moral and social obligation to see that young people don't get over-intoxicated," said Mr Whyte. He asks them to call taxis for students who may have drunk too much. "Please don't just throw them out onto the streets." USI president Julian De Spainn also advises students not to over-indulge in alcohol. "Now is the time to relax, go out, but take it easy."

The exam helpline number is 1-890 715116.

Students wishing to receive their results by phone can call 1530 719808 after midday tomorrow. They must have their examination number and PIN number ready.