Minister Hanafin to introduce new two-part Leaving Cert

A new two-part Leaving Cert will be introduced by the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin early next year in order to reduce exam stress.

Students will sit sections of some papers during the school year, accounting for 25% of their marks.

However, John White of teachers' union the ASTI says high standards must be preserved.

“The leaving Certificate is recognised all over the world. We would be very concerned that standards are maintained and we would also very much wish that the external marking of the examination is continued,” he said.