Record entry for higher level maths

A record of more than one-third of Leaving Certificate maths students have applied to sit the higher level exams.

Although numbers who take it could drop from the 18,173 entered with the State Examinations Commission (SEC) by anything up to 3,000 when the first maths papers are distributed at schools on Friday afternoon, the 34% entered for the toughest level is a further indication of the impact of bonus points.

Since 2012, 25 extra CAO points have been awarded by all colleges to applicants who pass the subject at honours level. As a result, and also perhaps linked to the new Project Maths syllabus, the numbers sitting higher level have jumped from a record low of 16% in 2011 to 27% last year, when 32% indicated in advance they were preparing for the honours exam.