Numbers taking applied course rise along with standards

The standard and numbers of students taking the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) have increased this year, according to figures from the State Examinations Commission.

While the LCA cannot be used towards CAO college entry or offer the chance to sit traditional Leaving Cert exams, it keeps thousands of people in school who might otherwise leave the education system.

LCA students receive a single award based on their two years of accumulated credits. The award is given at three levels: Distinction is 85% to 100%, merit is 70% to 84%, and pass is 60% to 69%.