Universities ‘denied any say’ on Leaving Cert

Students protested the return of traditional assessment
Students protested the return of traditional assessment
SAM BOAL/ROLLINGNEWS.IE

Universities have complained they were “cut out” of the decision-making process on the format and grading of this year’s Leaving Certificate.

The Irish Universities Association has also raised concerns with officials at the Department of Further and Higher Education that the Central Applications Office (CAO), which processes applications for third-level places on behalf of colleges, was excluded from an advisory group on this year’s Leaving Cert.

In practice, the decision not to invite either universities or the CAO into an advisory group on planning for state exams this year meant the most vocal advocates of tackling grade inflation were not in the room. After consulting with the advisory group Norma Foley, the education minister, decided that this year’s grades would be adjusted to ensure they