Jess Casey: It goes without saying that the CAO process can be cruel

Despite lower grade inflation, demand for college places pushed CAO points higher in 2025, leaving many students disappointed

Cousins Katie O’Riordan and Sam Allen at Carrigtwohill Community College, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

As they anxiously waited for their Leaving Certificate results, many students were unsure of what this year’s lower grade inflation would mean for their transition to college.

Would a return to pre-pandemic norms be reflected in this year’s CAO points, or would expanding demographics make 2025 another year where entry to multiple courses ‘breached’ the 600-point mark?