Competition for college entry set to rise

ANOTHER rise in the overall number of applications could see increased competition for school leavers seeking entry to college in the autumn.

Just under 71,200 people submitted course lists to the Central Applications Office (CAO) by last night’s deadline, up from 67,634 at the same stage last year.

By last night there were 12,374 applications from mature students, slightly more than the 12,291 seeking entry last year, but this number could rise significantly before the late applications cut-off on May 1. A record 74,000 applications were received up to the final deadline in 2009.

Meanwhile, guidance counsellors have expressed anger that hundreds of students sitting Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) exams in June are not eligible for entry to Fáilte Ireland catering and tourism courses.

The awards they are given for the LCA – distinction, merit and pass – are not recognised for CAO points, but admission to most of the agency’s courses is moving to the CAO this year.

Eddie McGrath, who works at Abbey CBS in Tipperary town and chairs the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) mid-west branch, said such changes could discourage students not suited to the traditional Leaving Certificate from staying in school and taking the LCA option.

“There are far fewer apprenticeship places so these courses should be of particular interest to LCA students, as many may already work in bars or restaurants.

“But students were not given the normal two-year lead-in for changes like this, we were only notified in November,” he said. “I’d say it’s just a cynical money-saving exercise by Fáilte Ireland because it means they don’t have to pay maintenance grants for students.”

Fáilte Ireland said it is no longer paying grants because of budget constraints but they can apply for mainstream grants. A spokesperson said the agency is addressing the issues and plans to discuss them with IGC and LCA co-ordinators.

“As the new programmes are now routed through the mainstream application procedure of the CAO, there is a clearer progression route within the institute of technology sector. LCA students are still eligible to apply for earn and learn work–based programmes in professional cookery, restaurant and bar.”

Of more than 700 students on full-time Fáilte Ireland courses at institutes of technology, 43 had LCA qualifications. More than 3,200 school leavers last year pursued the LCA.