A record number of students will sit the State examinations this year.

146,000 Leaving and Junior Certificate students begin their written exams today, which is a 4% increase on last year's numbers.

Leaving certs are sitting English Paper 1 and Home Economics, while Junior Certs are taking English and Religious Education.

Students are being reminded to look after their health, as well as their studies.

A State Examinations Commission sign on the a door at Beneavin De La Salle College, Finglas, as this year's Leaving Certificate examinations got under way in schools around the country today. Students have been given a choice between exams, accredited grades or both. Picture date: Wednesday June 9, 2021.

Educator Tadgh O’Donovan - who's known as 'Teach With Tadgh' on social media said good sleep and nutrition can help boost concentration and reduce stress.

"A lot of students will either neglect food or they'll use it as a crutch or for comfort while they're studying. 

"That's one thing I used to do myself when I was a student, was use food as a comfort almost like a reward constantly.

"As long as students are getting good sources of fiber and nutrient-rich foods, that's a big 'play' on making sure they're staying healthy and happy throughout the next couple of weeks".