Report comes nearly a year after first talks on impact of system

The recommendations from the Irish Universities Association (IUA) come almost a year after second- level and third-level heads met formally for the first time to consider the impact of the points system.

Despite years of calls for reform, it was Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s impetus that led to the conference in September, hosted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The likelihood is that new Leaving Certificate assessments may not happen until after changes come into effect for the 2017 Junior Certificate. But it is hoped third-level entry changes could take effect for students starting fifth year in 2013 and sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2015.