Some 135,000 students are starting their State exams this morning.
Both Junior and Leaving Certificate students will sit their English papers from 9.30am.
It is also the first time this year's 6th years are facing a formal State exam, as their Junior Cert was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education Minister Norma Foley had these words of encouragement for those heading into exams today.
"I'm very conscious that we have both the Junior Cycle and the Leaving Certificate students - 135,000 of them - it's a huge number of students," she said.
"As Minister for Education I do want to take the opportunity to wish them well.
"They have done the work, and now is their opportunity to showcase the work.
"I want them to know that they have been mentored and minded and guided by school staff right up to this point, and that will continue.
"If they're having any difficulties, do reach out to the staff".
Minister Foley also thanked the students' families for their support.
"I always feel when one student in a household is taking an exam the whole house is taking the exam," she said.
"So I want to acknowledge the support that comes also from families and parents and guardians and siblings as well.
"It's a great, great achievement to have got to this point in your education.
"Do the best that you can, give it your all - and I would always say to my own students: all will be well, everything does work out in the end," she added.
