Skip to main content

Radical changes to Leaving Certificate grading system and CAO points system

Exam Hall Image: www.rte.ie
NEWS / 11 May 2015

On Wednesday, 29th April, Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan announced a major reforms to the Leaving Certificate grades system and CAO points system after a broad consultation process. The changes will be implemented for the 2017 Leaving Certificate.

On Wednesday, 29th April Jan O'Sullivan, Minister for Education and Skills (DES) announced the biggest changes to the Leaving Certificate grading system and CAO points system in 20 years. According to the DES the main changes are:

  • A new grading system for the Leaving Certificate – reducing the number of grades from the current 14 to 8
  • Proposals for a revised common points scale for entry into higher education
  • Broader undergraduate entry to high education programmes
  • An analysis of predictability in the Leaving Certificate

For more details about these reforms see the Press Release from the Department of Education and Skills. For further reading see the report published by the DES on 'Supporting a better transition from Second Level to Higher Education: Implementation and Next Steps'.

See also the website - transition.ie.

More News

Subject Blogs, Classics/History, English/Drama, General School News / 30 April 2026
Stratford wins in annual Ides of March Quiz

Stratford wins in annual Ides of March Quiz

Hugh congratulations to Stratford College Classics students who came 2nd and 3rd in the annual Ides of March Quiz in Blackrock College on Tuesday 28th April. Students from schools all over Dublin and further afield participated. Stratford scored an Olympian 41/46 to take second place and 40/46 to take third place.  Thank you to Ms. Donohoe and Ms McGill for coordinating this great event. 

Read more →
General School News, Stratford in the Media / 24 April 2026
Appointment of Delia Donohoe to Permanent Deputy Principal

Appointment of Delia Donohoe to Permanent Deputy Principal

Delia Donohoe has been appointed as Permanent Deputy Principal of Stratford College, following her tenure as Acting Deputy Principal since August 2023. This milestone marks her 21st year as a dedicated member of the Stratford community, where she has made a lasting contribution both in the classroom and in leadership.

Speaking about her appointment Chair of the Board of Management Ms. Aoife Cassidy said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Delia as Deputy Principal; she has been a leader and teacher at Stratford College for more than 20 years. During this time, she has served in an acting capacity as Deputy Principal, including over the last three years. She has strong leadership skills and an unwavering commitment and dedication to our school community. We have every confidence that she will continue to lead with the same energy, warmth and dedication in the years ahead. We are delighted to formally confirm Delia’s appointment and wish her every success in the role going forward.


Read more →