More students take higher level in new Junior Cert English

The first Junior Certificate results for English in a reformed junior cycle show some interesting trends in relation to participation and performance.

Although foundation-level Junior Certificate exams are now no longer set for weaker students, the proportion taking ordinary-level English fell from 23% to 21%.

This was because of a big jump in the numbers taking higher level in the new-format examination. Of 60,990 students examined, 48,235, or 79%, did higher level, up from 75% in each of the previous three years.