CAO points to change for Leaving Certificate 2017

All students who sit the Leaving Certificate in June 2017 will be scored using a new grading system. According to the CAO these are the main changes that have occurred:

• The number of grade bands were reduced from 14 to 8 to fairly reward scholastic achievement and to ease the pressure on students to achieve marginal gains in examinations.
• The Common Points Scale has been altered to reflect the reduction in grade bands.
• All applicants (current year and pre-2017 Leaving Certificate candidates) will be competing using the same scale.
• Points will be awarded for a H7 grade to reflect the level of achievement represented by a H7 and to encourage the take-up of higher level subjects.
• The mechanics of the CAO application and offer process will remain the same; applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements, and places will be awarded based on an applicant’s position on the order of merit list. Bonus points for Higher Level Maths will still be awarded.

For more details, including Frequently Asked Questions, go to the website - www.transition.ie.