The Junior Cert Exam timetable has just been announced.

These are the key dates you need to know:

Winter Exams: 10–21 November 2025

Most schools run these. They don’t decide the future, but they show you everything the teacher already knows:

“We’re fine” or “We need to get moving.”

Keep an eye on the maths result especially. It tells you more than any report card ever will.

The Mocks — Early February

For 3rd Years, mocks usually run across the first two weeks of February.

Expect them to be tough. Expect tears.

Expect “THEY WERE IMPOSSIBLE” at least twice.

That’s normal.

Mocks are designed to feel harder than the real thing. But they’re the best early warning system you’ll ever get. If your child struggled in November and struggles in the mocks, that’s your sign to intervene.

Junior Cert Exam Timetable 2026

The Junior Cert starts Weds, June 3rd (An early one this year!).

Download the full schedule and stick it on the fridge👇

Some key things to note:

The Maths Exam Is Usually in the Afternoon.

This matters more than you’d think. It’s a Friday evening. The energy dips.

A tired student makes silly mistakes.

Your job as a parent:

• Make sure they sleep properly
• Feed them well
• Keep them off TikTok that week
• Maybe a walk
• Light revision only, no cramming

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How to Prep for Junior Cert Maths

If your child found the mocks harder than expected, welcome to the club.

Almost everyone does.

Maths is cumulative. Weak fractions turn into weak algebra which turns into “I hate maths” which turns into panic in June.

Here’s what they need to focus on:

Start Early. Start Small.

Even 20 minutes a day is enough to get the ball rolling.

Use exam-style questions.

The Junior Cert repeats itself. Patterns appear.

Students who practise past papers do better. Always.

If they’re struggling, get support.

Don’t need to wait until May to get help.

Try the grinds with Breakthrough Maths.

A few weeks of proper structure helps. The weekly classes, practice exams and that bit of help from our tutor Eoin can make a massive difference.

And if you’re not ready to commit, our YouTube videos are free to work on.

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Final Word for Parents

Keep these dates on the fridge. Keep a close eye on the mocks result.

And I suppose, get grinds when needed. If the mocks don’t go well, then get the help.

Hope that helps!