Cillian Murphy Opens Up: Why the Leaving Cert Was Worse Than Walking on Stage

Cillian Murphy, the renowned Irish actor famous for his roles in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer, recently opened up about the lasting impact of Ireland’s Leaving Certificate exams, describing that period of his life as “a dark year” and revealing that he still experiences recurring nightmares about it.

In an intimate reflection on his school years, Murphy shared that he dreams of being back in his school uniform, sitting at a desk and revisiting the intense pressure of the exams. “There are kids who really suffer mentally and feel under such intense pressure because of the bottleneck of a points system we’ve developed,” he said, acknowledging the weight many young students feel as they approach the final exams that can determine their future academic and professional paths.

Murphy, who is known for his emotionally complex performances, admitted that while he was not prone to depression or panic attacks, the Leaving Cert year was mentally taxing. “I just felt as if it was going to be the defining moment in my life and if I didn’t succeed in my exams, I would never succeed at anything,” he recalled. This overwhelming feeling of pressure led him to view the exam as a high-stakes turning point, one that would decide his future.

However, the actor also reflected on the irony of his situation. Although Murphy went on to study law at University College Cork, he ultimately dropped out halfway through his second year to pursue a career in acting. “It [the Leaving Cert] was of no use to me, other than putting me in a spin,” he said, noting that the traditional education system works well for some, particularly those who excel at absorbing and regurgitating facts. But for creative individuals like himself, Murphy felt the system often failed to recognize their diverse talents.

Despite his personal struggles, Murphy made it clear that he does not blame teachers. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education—his mother was a French teacher, and his father was a schools inspector—Murphy holds a deep respect for educators. His criticism is not aimed at teachers but rather at the broader system that, according to him, places too much emphasis on exams and academic achievement while disregarding the varied talents of students.

In the wake of his experience, Murphy’s insights serve as a reminder of the emotional toll academic pressures can take on young people. His candid comments highlight the need for a more balanced approach to education, one that supports mental well-being and recognizes a broader spectrum of student abilities.

Murphy’s reflections are timely, especially as he stars in Small Things Like These, an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novel set in 1985 Ireland. The story, which touches on themes of empathy and resilience, is part of the current Leaving Certificate curriculum and offers an opportunity for students to explore these themes in a broader context.

While Murphy may have struggled with the Leaving Cert, his journey proves that success is not always defined by exams and academic benchmarks. His story stands as a testament to the importance of mental health, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one’s true calling—no matter how unconventional the path may seem.