CAO: Hike in points sparks call for reform

Further spikes in points for technology, business, and other degrees are increasing pressure on colleges to speed up reform of the third-level entry system.

More than 52,000 applicants are being offered places at 44 colleges this morning by the Central Applications Office (CAO), including more than 39,000 of this year’s Leaving Certificate students. However, an analysis of entry standards shows big jumps for many categories of course yet again this year.

Many of these may be linked to rising demand and improved student results, but focus is turning again to the pace of promised change.