Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
657. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if leaving certificate points awarded in 2020 based on calculated points can be used in future years if a student opts to defer applying to third-level college for a year or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19785/20]
View answerAs a result of the robust and rigorous processes implemented to arrive at the Calculated Grades, these grades will have the same status as the Leaving Certificate results awarded to students in previous years, and those that will be awarded in future years.
The Leaving Certificate class of 2020 will in no way be disadvantaged by receiving Calculated Grades, relative to previous or future Leaving Certificate students. The Government has made clear to higher and further education providers, to employers, and to higher education institutions abroad that Calculated Grades have the same status as the Leaving Certificate Examination.
If a student opts to forego applying to third level education this year, and decides to return to education in the future, the 2020 Calculated Grades will have the same standing as any Leaving Certificate examination grades for entry to further study at that time. However student should note that there are fluctuations in CAO points every year, which will depend on the volume of applications, their course choices, the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements and the grades received by applicants. Having the required points to enter a course for the 2020 academic year is not a guarantee that those points will satisfy the entry requirements for that course in future years.
