More college places may be needed with higher grades in Leaving Cert
- Congratulated students and educators on awarding of calculated Leaving Cert.
- 1,250 extra places may not be enough, and impact on deferred students must be addressed.
Congratulating students on their Leaving Cert results, Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin paid tribute to all those who have experienced a very difficult year, reminded students and parents of the supports that are there, but added the government may need to ensure further college places are added to ensure sufficient capacity to cope with increased grades, and the impact of this on deferred students.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“In an unprecedented year for Leaving Cert students, their families and their teachers I want to add my voice to those commending them on coming through what was a very difficult process.
“Now that calculated grades have issued, thoughts are turning to what comes next, and it is important to remember that there are lots of supports in place for students and parents. The Leaving Cert helpline, 1800 265 165 is available to deal with queries up until 16th September.
“There are many options available to students, and it is important that they take time to consider what is best for them, and ensure they seek guidance and advice if needed.
“While the government has taken on board and addressed many of the concerns I and others have expressed in recent weeks, there is still an outstanding issue concerning the level of higher grades this year and how this impacts in particular on those who took their exams in 2019 and intended to apply through the CAO this year.
“The Minister for Education, and the Minister for Further and Higher Education should monitor this issue closely and ensure that all efforts are made so that students from 2019 aren’t punished by increase in grades this year.
“While 1,250 extra places have been created in high demand courses, more may be needed, and in what is hopefully a once off for this year, the government should act to fund more places if there is a requirement to ensure deferred students don’t lose out.”