Students at New Ross Vocational College in Co Wexford took Leaving Cert results day in their stride. PJ Kane from Whitechurch, just outside the town, stopped for a haircut on his way to collect his results from the school principal, Pat Murphy.

Wasn't he nervous? "No, it didn't bother me at all," he said. "I had the best night's sleep ever last night."

By then, he was clutching a piece of paper with A1s in higher level maths and engineering, an A2 in biology, and almost certainly enough points for a place in mechatronic engineering at Dublin City University.

PJ was one of 24 at the school to sit the Leaving Cert this year; a further 17 opted for the Leaving Cert Applied programme which, Murphy said, has been a big success.

The college was involved in one of the pilot schemes for the programme when it was introduced six years ago. "It caters for students who want to go into the world of work and apprenticeships rather than third-level education, and it has worked extremely well for us," he said. "Last year all of those who did the course were in worthwhile employment or had an apprenticeship by the time the school re-opened in September, and most of the lads, who are coming in for their results today, already have jobs or apprenticeships." lined up."

The applied programme involves work experience for the students and the college has a "brilliant rapport" with local employers, according to O'Connor. "The co-operation we've got from industry and local business has been excellent."

One of those who did the course, Liam O'Leary, from Ballywilliam, received 87 credits out of the maximum 100, earning him a merit. He had already secured a job with a local lighting manufacturer. "I was going to do a course in sales and marketing but I've decided to work for a while anyway."

Patrick McGrath from The Rower, who also did the Leaving Cert Applied, was "very surprised" to get a distinction, the best result possible. A farmer's son, he was keeping his future options open. "There are so many choices, it's hard to decide what you want. I'm interested in metalwork and I was interested in doing a bit of lorry driving as well, maybe, when I'm older."

The Leaving Cert Applied has proved so successful that occasionally employers ask students, who have joined them on work experience, to take full-time jobs immediately, said Mr Murphy. "We encourage students to stay on the course, however, because it might make a difference to their prospects in the long run." In any event, he added, "the youngsters of today are far more level-headed than we give them credit for. They'll look at the opportunities and decide what is good for them. Money is plentiful and jobs are available but they're smart enough and will go to the people who will give them a good apprenticeship."

Students at New Ross passed up the opportunity to get their results by telephone and the vast majority opted to receive them in person from Mr Murphy and share the experience with classmates.

Anita Fitzpatrick from The Rower and Joanne Power from Wexford Street in New Ross were among the small group of students, all girls, who were present when Mr Murphy began to distribute the results at about 10 a.m. Anita was "delighted" with her results in the Leaving Cert proper. She had been expecting the worst with English, French and construction studies, but passed them all. She hopes to be an air hostess and will be starting a course with the International Academy of Travel in Waterford next month. "That's why I'm so happy with my French, because I needed that."

Joanne was disappointed with her D2 in English, but otherwise was "happy with everything". She plans to do a PLC course in journalism in Enniscorthy and hopes to continue her studies in Plymouth next year. It was about 11 a.m. before the boys began to arrive. David Purcell, from Pondsfield, New Ross, also found time for a haircut before calling to the college at midday. With a B in higher level construction studies and a comfortable pass in everything else, he was planning to do an apprenticeship in carpentry.

John Delaney, from Mount Carmel, New Ross, is about to begin his apprenticeship in carpentry. He "scraped" a pass and was "happy enough". Had he found the morning nerve-racking?

"Well, I only live five minutes walk from the school and it took me 25 minutes to get here. It's a relief to have it over." Like his classmates, he was planning to celebrate. "I'm going home to get a good few quid and then I won't be seen for the night."