Thousands of students across Ireland are waking up to the news they've been waiting for: their Leaving Certificate results. This year, however, the results come with a twist. For the third year running, grades have been artificially inflated, sparking discussion and debate about the future of the exam. While students may be celebrating their record-high results, the long-term implications of this practice remain a hot topic.
This year's results, released at 10 am on August 23rd, have been kept on par with the record highs achieved in recent years. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has implemented a post-marking adjustment (PMA) to ensure this consistency. This means that 68% of all grades were increased, with an average adjustment of 7.5%, following the marking process.
Why Were Grades Inflated Again?
The reason behind this consistent grade inflation is a directive from Minister for Education Norma Foley. She wants to ensure that this year's students are not disadvantaged in the competition for college places compared to applicants from the past few years, when results were also inflated. The rationale is to create a level playing field, particularly for students applying for highly competitive courses where even a small difference in points can make a significant difference.
The Future of Leaving Cert Results
While the current system aims to protect students, there are inherent downsides. Ms. Foley acknowledges this and has pledged to begin a “phased” reduction in Leaving Cert results, starting next year. The class of 2025 will be the first cohort to experience a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. Despite this shift, Ms. Foley has confirmed that there will be no “cliff edge,” and that grade inflation will be maintained at a rate of at least 5.5% next year. This means that the gradual decline in inflated results will be a controlled process, aimed at easing students into a more traditional grading system.
Impact on CAO Points
The inflated grades are likely to have a significant impact on CAO points. Guidance counsellor Brian Mooney anticipates an “avalanche” of bonus points due to improved results in higher-level maths. These bonus points will likely put upward pressure on points for highly sought-after courses, meaning that students may need even higher grades to secure their desired college placements.
Subject-by-Subject Breakdown
The SEC has released a subject-by-subject breakdown of the performance of students in each exam, highlighting both increases and decreases in top grades. For instance, the proportion of H1s in higher-level maths has fluctuated over the past few years. While there was a significant drop in 2023, this year has seen an increase in the number of H1s.
Looking Ahead
The Leaving Cert results are a significant milestone for students and their families. While the grade inflation has sparked debate, the overall goal remains to ensure fairness and provide students with the best possible opportunities. The transition to a more traditional grading system will require careful management, but the commitment to a phased approach should provide some level of certainty for the future.
Leaving Cert: A Milestone Reached
The Leaving Cert is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for students. Receiving these results is a moment of accomplishment, whether it’s a celebration of success or a time for reflection. For many, it is the key that unlocks doors to future pathways, be it further education, apprenticeships, or other career paths. The results, even amidst the complexities of grade inflation, represent a significant achievement and mark a new chapter in the lives of these young individuals.
