School leavers claim two thirds of college places

SCHOOL leavers claimed two-thirds of college places last autumn despite a sharp rise in mature students and other applicants seeking entry.

Of more than 78,000 people who sought places through the Central Applications Office (CAO) in 2010, almost 15,000, or just under one-in-five, applied as mature students, being 23 or older.

Almost the same number cited a further education qualification on their applications, and 45,757, or 58.5%, of applicants were doing the Leaving Certificate last June.