The number of students caught cheating in their Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams more than doubled last year, according to the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
A total of 86 Leaving Cert results were withheld in 2024, compared to 39 in 2023. Similarly, 24 Junior Cycle results were permanently withheld, more than twice the figure of 10 recorded the previous year.
The SEC stated that exam results are withheld for a range of breaches, although specific details of individual incidents were not disclosed.
Common reasons include the possession of notes, unauthorised use of mobile phones, and the use of other electronic devices, such as smartwatches, within exam halls.
In some cases, cheating was uncovered through the inclusion of “extraneous material” in exam scripts. Additionally, instances were identified where exam papers from different students were found to be almost identical, raising concerns about copying during exams.
Strict guidelines were in place for students sitting state exams to prevent such incidents. These rules prohibit bringing notes or electronic devices into the exam hall, as well as attempting to assist or copy from another student. Contacting anyone outside the exam hall during the exam is also strictly forbidden.