Ireland’s Leaving Cert Grades Shift to Pre-Covid Levels in 2024

URGENT UPDATE: Education Minister Helen McEntee has just announced that Leaving Certificate grades in Ireland will revert closer to pre-Covid levels starting in 2024. This significant shift aims to phase out the post-marking adjustments implemented during the pandemic, impacting students significantly in the next two years.

Minister McEntee emphasized the need for this change to restore “long-term fairness and consistency” in exam results. “We have to ensure that a Leaving Cert result in 2026 means the same as it did before the pandemic,” she stated, adding that the adjustments will be gradual to allow schools and students to adapt effectively.

This decision follows mounting pressure from teacher’s unions and university admissions offices to align grade standards with pre-2020 averages. As a result, students taking the Leaving Cert in the upcoming years may receive slightly lower grades for the same performance levels compared to previous years.

Parents are voicing concerns that this change could lead to heightened competition for college placements. With universities and colleges across Ireland already reporting tighter margins for popular courses such as psychology, law, and engineering, some students are at risk of missing out on their desired programs by mere points.

Furthermore, Minister McEntee has initiated the largest national survey targeting parents and guardians of primary and pre-school children. This survey seeks feedback on school ethos, co-education, and Irish medium provision, as part of a broader discussion about diversity and inclusion within the education system.

As this situation develops, students, parents, and educators are urged to stay informed about the implications of these changes. The landscape of college admissions is shifting, and all stakeholders must prepare for a more competitive environment ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.