Course points to drop as number of school leavers hits 10-year low
The Union of Students in Ireland predicted cut-off points will continue to drop in the coming years. Education officer Gareth Keogh said there's no need for students to panic this year even if they don't get as many points as they wanted.
He said: "This year a total of 56,969 students sat the Leaving Certificate, the lowest figure in over a decade.
"Unless significant progress is made in recruiting mature students and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education, this will lead to further significant falls in CAO points requirements for most colleges."
USI president Colm Jordan said it was unfortunate this year's 60,000 students were among those who will be saddled with increased costs. He said: "If all of the Leaving Certificate students were to go on to third level education, Minister Noel Dempsey would receive close to 40 million due to the increased capitation fee from these students alone.
"This highlights that while the Government coffers are certainly enjoying gain, those families less well off are suffering. The recent hike in capitation fees to be paid by students is undoubtedly another barrier to education access.
"But it is important for students to follow their dream and take up the course of study they wish to pursue, regardless of the obstacles."
Meanwhile, the CAO is preparing for the first round of offers next Tuesday.
There is a demonstration function on the CAO website which shows how to look up and accept a course offer online.
Students might want to look at this before they have to do it for real, a CAO spokesperson said.
