New Leaving Certificate Grading Scale Revised Points Scale

The Changes Grade Scale moving from 14 to 8 A, B, C, D, E, replaced with 1-8 Grade 8 awarded for %<30 Higher and Ordinary = H1-8 and O1-8

Currently… The majority of students receiving a grade are within 3 percentage marks of a higher grade, which would give them 5 extra points. This creates pressure towards rote learning and using the marking scheme to gain those few additional marks

This New Scale… Will ease the pressure on students to achieve marginal gains in exams and encourage more substantial engagement with each subject. Will also allow for greater flexibility, variety and innovation in LC assessments. Will allow for an enhanced learner experience in senior cycle with a greater focus on the achievement of broader learning objectives. Will move the LC closer to school leaving exams in other countries and the International Baccalaureate.

The New Points… Will minimise the use of random selection in the admissions process, by minimising the number of candidates presenting with identical points scores. Will award points for the new H7 grade. Will reward high levels of performance in some subjects above more even performance across a broader number of subjects.

Thus… Students will on average receive slightly less points than under the current system. All students who apply from 2017 onwards will have their points calculated in this way. 25 bonus points will be awarded for those who attain H6 (40%) similar to now.

Basic Matriculation Requirements Where the requirements are currently; 5 ordinary D3s will now be 5 O6/H7 grades 2 HLC3s and 4 OLD3s now 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 3 HLC3s and 3 OLD3s now 3 H5 and 3 O6/H7 Subject requirements which form part of the basic matriculation remain unchanged.