The number of candidates due to sit the 2026 State exams has reached a new record level, surpassing 146,000 for the first time.

The Irish Examiner is reporting that some AI-powered platforms are targeting Irish students, offering instant essay grading and exam practice too.

The figures show the number of exemptions from studying Irish has almost doubled in the past seven years, leading to fears among some that Irish is losing its compulsory status in schools.