Exam body failed to budget for rise in student numbers

A failure to budget for a growing number of students sitting exams has been blamed for mounting losses at the State body which oversees the Leaving and Junior Certificate tests.

The State Examinations Commission has reported that the size of its annual deficit more than tripled last year to over €2.2m.

The SEC attributed its deteriorating financial position on insufficient provision within its budget for the increasing number of students sitting the two exams.