Almost 1,400 students in Westmeath sit the Leaving

The overall number sitting the Leaving Cert has increased by 0.9 % from 57,931 candidates in 2015 to 58,466 in 2016.

Of those, 1,382 were in County Westmeath - 680 female and 702 male.

Of the 58,466 candidates who sat Leaving Certificate examinations this year, 55,708 followed the Leaving Certificate (Established) programme, including 14,637 (26%) who followed the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.

A further 2,758 (4.7%) candidates followed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (including 20 in Westmeath).

The results obtained in most subjects this year are broadly in line with those of previous years, according to the State Examinations Commission.

As students wait for CAO offers next week, thoughts are turning to the next stage: the where, the when and the cost.

If you would like to share your experiences of finding accommodation or the other challenges, particularly if hoping to study in Dublin, contact our office.