1,700 junior cert students in Waterford have been receiving their results in schools across the city and county this morning.
Nationally the number of students getting top marks in their Junior Cert has fallen by nearly half.
This year 240 of them got 10As or more, that's a 43 percent dip from the 2016 total.
Maths has slightly bucked the trend - it saw a 2 percent increase in the number of top grades.
This year also sees the first results from the reformed English Junior Cycle, which combines exam results with continual assessment marks.
Students will also for the first time receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.
The profile records both their exam grades, the outcome of other assessments during the Junior Cycle, and other achievements - in non curricular activities like sport, debating or community projects.
In the Presentation Secondary School in Waterford City Principal Adrian Gibbs said their experience had been very positive with the new English curriculum, which put an end to rote learning.
Principal Gibbs was also delighted with the maths results, which he said were very good overall.
Speaking to WLR news, many of the girls also expressed their delight with their results!
