Following the release of the Leaving Cert results, guidance counsellor Donnchadh O’Mahony has outlined the critical dates and deadlines students need to manage for script viewings, college offers, and appeals through Leaving Cert Guidance on Instagram.
The timeline of key post-result events spans from late August through August 31, 2026. Students must navigate a tightly packed schedule to check component marks, evaluate CAO choices, examine scripts online, and submit potential appeals within strict administrative windows.
Candidate Self Service Portal Component Marks
Students can sign into their Candidate Self Service Portal at 12pm on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 to check the individual component marks for each subject they completed. Mr O’Mahony noted that test-takers will need to convert those component marks into a percentage to determine their proximity to the next grade bracket.
Later that same day at 5pm, students can apply online to view their Leaving Cert scripts. This initial application step opens just hours after the component breakdown becomes available.
CAO First Round Offers and Available Places
CAO first round offers begin on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 2pm. Following this, the CAO Available Places facility opens for 2026 on Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 12pm, listing college courses that still have open spots for both CAO applicants and new applicants.
“Maybe you’ve seen your friends getting CAO first round offers and maybe you didn’t apply for the CAO,” Mr O’Mahony explained, noting that students who previously thought they did not want to go to college can open a CAO account for Available Places courses. Any courses that are not going to be filled will be on Available Places, covering both Level 8 and Level 6,7 courses.
Did You Know? Students can access the CAO Available Places facility starting Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 12pm, opening up application pathways for both Level 8 and Level 6,7 courses that have unfilled spots.
Script Viewing Window
Students will be able to view their scripts online starting Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 9am. The viewing portal remains open for 24 hours until 9am on Sunday, 30 August.
“On Saturday, while you might be celebrating down at Electric Picnic, you’ll be able to view your scripts online so find a good spot with internet to do this,” Mr O’Mahony advised.
Students must balance verification tasks with strict administrative cutoffs to protect their academic options.
Leaving Cert Results Appeal Deadline
Applications to appeal results must be made through the Candidate Self Service Portal between 10am on Sunday, 30 August and 5pm on Monday, 31 August 2026. The official deadline to appeal results falls on Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5pm.
“A very, very short window there. Students have just over 24 hours to make that application to appeal,” Mr O’Mahony explained regarding the restricted timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can students view their component marks?
Students can log on to the Candidate Self Service Portal on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 12pm to see component marks for each subject.
When do CAO first round offers start?
CAO first round offers begin on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 2pm.
What is the deadline to appeal Leaving Cert results?
The deadline to apply for an appeal is Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5pm, with applications opening on Sunday, 30 August at 10am.
Which upcoming deadline on your calendar requires your immediate attention this week?
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