Minister announces plans for next years Leaving Cert

Predictive grades were not included in plans outlined this afternoon for conducting next year's Leaving Cert.

The State Examinations Commission met today to discuss the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certs for 2022. After the meeting, Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed the exams would resume the more traditional structure, but would include additional choice to compensate for missed classroom time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While accredited grades were not included in the Department's announcement, asked about the issue on RTÉ, the minister said there are currently no plans, but added "nothing could be ruled in or out".

A revised document will be published in July with changes regarding syllabus content. These adjustments are expected to be similar to those announced in December 2020 for students due to sit the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations in 2021.

Those in attendance at today’s meeting included representatives of students, parents, teachers school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission (SEC), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.

Speaking after today’s meeting Minister for Education Norma Foley acknowledged that students going into their final year at secondary school have had a “difficult year.”

“I am confident that the adjustments announced today acknowledge the disruption faced by these students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Foley said.

“I am pleased that the voices of students, parents, and teachers have been a part of this process of discussing the arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate 2022, and I am glad to be able to provide this clarity to the class of 2022.”