Every August, as Leaving Certificate results are released across Ireland, a familiar wave of emotion sweeps over students, parents, and educators. For many, this is a time of celebration, but for others, it’s a moment that brings frustration and sadness. Each year, media outlets and schools share photos of students who have achieved the highest possible marks, showcasing their stories on social media and in national newspapers. These images and headlines celebrate perfection, sending a clear message: only those who reach the top are worthy of recognition.
But what about the thousands of students who don’t achieve maximum points? Are their efforts any less valuable? According to a recent study reported in The Irish Times, Irish students are among the highest academic achievers in high-income countries, but they are also some of the least happy. The report’s stark conclusion—“Ireland’s teens are succeeding in school but struggling in life”—should give us pause. Is our relentless pursuit of perfection harming the wellbeing of our young people?
The statistics are telling. In 2025, over 1,000 students received maximum points in the Leaving Certificate, but more than 64,000 others did not. Does this mean they have failed? Consider the student who worked tirelessly and achieved 500 points, or the one who battled mental health challenges and earned 400. Think of the teenager who went to school hungry, yet managed 300 points, or the young person caring for siblings while their parents worked, still achieving 450. These are the unsung heroes—students who have overcome adversity and given their all. Their stories deserve to be told and celebrated.
The pressure to achieve perfection doesn’t just come from schools or the media. It’s reinforced by social media, peer comparisons, and the knowledge that even top marks don’t guarantee a college place. For many students, the stress is overwhelming. As a parent, I tell my daughter—who will sit her Leaving Certificate in 2026—that all I expect is her best effort. Whether that results in 300 or 500 points, I will be proud. But she reminds me that society often values results over effort, and that pressure can feel inescapable.
So, what can we do to ease this burden? The answer is simple, but powerful: change the picture. Let’s broaden our definition of success to include effort, resilience, and personal growth. Let’s take photos of the students who have tried their best, regardless of the number of points they achieved. Let’s celebrate those who have persevered through challenges, who have shown determination and courage, and who have given their all.
In August 2026, I urge principals across Ireland to change the narrative. Recognise and applaud every student who has put in the effort, not just those who have achieved perfection. Perfectionism isn’t what matters—trying is. And trying is always good enough.