Leaving Cert results: Students reap the rewards of exam reform

Reforms to the college entry system that reward students for attempting tougher exams have led to a spike in numbers taking higher level in most Leaving Certificate subjects.

The move reduced the risk of losing out on vital Central Applications Office points for college entry, and thousands of the 58,500 students getting their results today appear to have reaped rewards.

This year, for the first time, students who get 30%-40% in a higher-level subject receive a H7 grade and 37 CAO points. Under the old system, the corresponding E grade was worth zero points, meaning some borderline students avoided higher level because of that risk.