A new CAO points system for college entry is set to be introduced for students sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2017.
One key change aims to reward students who take higher level papers but narrowly miss a “pass”, by awarding points for a mark of between 30-39pc on an “honours” paper.
The package of reforms also includes a new scale for converting grades into points, to allow for greater differentiation between CAO applicants when it comes to selection for college courses.
So, instead of the typical difference of five CAO points between existing grade bands, the gap could be 10 points or more, and it will vary between bands.
Reform of the points system has been under discussion for some years with a view to finding ways to ease the pressure on students, without compromising academic standards.
The 2017 Leaving Certificate is the target date for the introduction of change, but there has been concern that any reform must be carefully considered.
Presidents of the universities and institutes of technology have now agreed a set of proposals to put to their academic councils for approval.
If the changes are to be made in 2017,
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