Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020
192. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider the implications arising from the use of calculated grades in the leaving certificate 2020 for the CAO and college entry for students sitting the leaving certificate in 2021; the actions he plans to take to deal with the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is closely monitoring any potential impact that the results of Leaving Certificate 2020 may have on entry to further and higher education in 2021.
This year more students than ever before were offered a place in higher education, with 52% of these students being offered their first preference Level 8 course in Round 1. As of the end of Round 2, more than 49,000 students have accepted a place. There is no indication that a higher proportion of student than usual are opting to defer their place to the 2021 academic year, and given the large numbers of students who have been accommodated in higher education this year it is very possible that the proportion of students reapplying to the CAO will be lower next year than in previous years.
As the Deputy is aware, students who are not satisfied with their Calculated Grades have the option of sitting the Leaving Certificate exams in November, and those who achieve higher grades and receive a higher CAO offer on foot of those grades will be offered a place in their course for the 2021 academic year. The number of students who will receive such an offer remains to be seen, and my Department will monitor the situation as it develops and take action as necessary to ensure the availability of sufficient higher education places for the class of 2021.
