Whether your a  parent or actually receiving your leaving certificate results today, here are few guidelines of what to do next if the results did not go to plan:

Result appeals

If you are not happy with your exams results and feel that they do not reflect your work or ability, you can arrange to appeal. The application deadline to appeal examination is the 5th of September.

Speak to a qualified career counsellor

Your school career counsellor will be able to lay out your options most suited towards your Leaving Cert results. You can also go to your local career’s office or youth information centre and ask for advice.

Repeat the Leaving Cert

Even though it isn’t the most desired option, it shouldn’t be dismissed too quickly. Those who have repeated the Leaving Cert  found it less daunting second time round. The options with repeating the Leaving Cert are more in your favour also, with students  able to take subjects more suited towards their strengths. As if you pass the core subjects first time round you don’t have to take them again, unless you want to.

Further education courses

Not all courses need those precious points, such as the courses  for getting a taste of the career you’re interested in. You can find more information at  href="http://www.spunout.ie/link.php?url=http://www.cao.ie">www.cao.ie or  href="http://www.spunout.ie/link.php?url=http://www.fetac.ie">www.fetac.ie. If you’re interested in working in tourism,  href="http://www.spunout.ie/link.php?url=http://www.failteireland.ie/">Failte Ireland has a range of courses including chefing, hospitality skills, bar skills and hotel management. Many of the courses are very flexible, allowing you to choose between learning full-time or part-time.
/> Take time out

Whether you need a break or ensure of what to do next, a gap year is a great time for opportunity. Whether you choose to travel the world, get a job or even try an apprenticeship or internship in career that may have vaguely interested you, you could find what path is best for you.
/> Start your own business

If you have an idea, why not try to make it happen? Enterprise Ireland provides support to anyone looking to start a  href="http://www.spunout.ie/health/Work/How-to-start-your-own-business">new business.

Defence forces/Garda training

If you pass core modules and got C3 in Foundation level Irish or D3 in honours or ordinary level Irish, the Gardai could be for you. The Gardai and defence forces recruit young people every year. Check out   href="http://www.spunout.ie/link.php?url=http://www.garda.ie">www.garda.ie and  href="http://www.spunout.ie/link.php?url=http://www.military.ie">www.military.ie.

There is a Leaving Cert results helpline available for anyone who needs support after the results:
/> Helpline Phone Number: 1800 265 165