Leaving Cert exams get underway

Leaving Certificate Examinations will commence across the country today (Wednesday 9 June), with 90% of candidates sitting exams.

This figure is reflected in Cavan schools, where 758 Leaving Certificate students have opted to receive accredited grades; while 648 will sit one or more exams.

This year, due to disrupted learning in the pandemic, students have the option of sitting their Leaving Certificate exams, receiving accredited grades or a combination of both, in which case students will be awarded the higher result.

Monaghan figures show 795 students will receive accredited grades; while 702 students will take the exam.

They are among 61,500 students nationally who have applied for the 2021 Leaving Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied. Of these, 55,000 candidates will sit exam papers, starting today.

Special provisions have been put in place to accommodate students sitting the exams this year.

Pupils will be assigned their own desk, which will be spaced two metres apart from others. Face coverings must be worn for the duration of the exams, with the exception of people on authorised medical grounds. Social distancing must be adhered to, and exams rooms will be well ventilated.

Students are not permitted to present for their exams if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or develop symptoms/feel unwell during the exams. Close contacts and those self-isolating/quarantining are also instructed to not attend at the exam centre.

The decision to adjust the Leaving Certificate was made by the Government on February 17, along with the decision to cancel Junior Cycle examinations.

Students made their decision by May 1 using the Candidate Self Service Portal with most opting to sit at least one examination along with receiving accredited grades.

Following demand from students, it has been decided that there will be an opportunity for students who did not opt for calculated grades to reverse this decision later in the summer.

The exams will take place in post-primary schools and other venues and will run until Tuesday, June 29.

Results can be accessed on the Candidate Self Service Portal on September 3, 2021, as well as information regarding appeals.