First of all, congratulations.
It’s been a year like no other, and one of incredible uncertainty for the class of 2020. This year’s Leaving Cert results have been released as of 9am this morning, but for many people this is only a stepping stone in the process.
Let’s take a look at some of the questions Leaving Cert students, and parents, may have after this morning’s results.
How can I get my results?
Usually, you would pick up your results from your school, but unfortunately that cannot happen this year. Your results will be available from 9am on Monday 7 September via the Calculated Grades Student Portal. You will need your candidate number and your PIN.
How were my results decided?
As you know, there were no exams sat this year in June, as would normally happen. Instead, you’ve been awarded a ‘calculated grade’ in each subject. This is a combination of a few things.
Your teacher will have given a predicted grade, i.e. what they believe you would have gotten if the exams had gone ahead. This takes the form of a percentage, rather than a grade (so, for example, if your teacher thinks you would have gotten a H3, they would award a specific percentage between 70-79). Your teacher will also have ranked the class and where you are in relation to your classmates.
There has also been a national standardisation process, where, in order for grades to be as fair as possible across the country, grades may have been adjusted. The grade on your results is a combination of both of these processes, and the grade provided by your teacher may be different from the one you have received.
How likely is it that my grade has changed from the predicted grade provided by my teacher?
According to statistics provided by the Department of Education, 79.3% of student grades remain unchanged from those provided by teachers. 3.9% of grades increased, and 16.8% of grades were reduced by one grade (H2-H3, for example). Very few results (0.1%) were reduced by two or more grades.
Can I see what my teacher thought I would get?
Yes. The Calculated Grades Student Portal (where you got your results) will reopen at 9am on Monday 14 September, and you will be able to see your estimated grade provided by your teacher.
Will my grades be higher or lower depending on where I go to school?
No. Historical school data was removed from the process by the Minister for Education Norma Foley last week, which means that where you go to school will not affect your grade in any way.
I’m not happy with one or more of my grades, can I appeal?
Yes, you can. At 9am on Monday 14 September, you will be able to submit an appeal via the Calculated Grades Student Portal. This remains open until 5pm on Wednesday 16 September.
I’ve applied to the CAO, what’s next?
The first round of CAO offers will be released on Friday 11 September. You can see a list of last year’s CAO points here. Below is a table of important dates for the 2020 CAO offers.
| Round | Offer date | Reply date |
| One | 11 September 2020 from 2pm | 16 September 2020 by 3pm |
| Two | 23 September 2020 from 10am | 25 September 2020 by 12pm |
| Three | 1 October 2020 from 10am | 6 October 2020 by 3pm |
| Four | 8 October 2020 from 10am | 13 October 2020 by 3pm |
| Five | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
Source: gov.ie
I still have questions and you haven’t really helped me at all, JOE.
Sorry about that… There’s a lot of information available on the government’s website that may be able to answer your question if we haven’t managed to.
You can also contact the Leaving Certificate student helpline by phoning 1800 265 165. This will be available from 11am on Monday 7 September, and a guidance counsellor will be available to answer your questions. It will be open until Friday 11 September.
There is also information available on the CAO website. The Calculated Grades Executive Office helpline will also be available from Monday 7 September by phoninh 1800 111135 or 1800 111136, or emailing [email protected].
If you are unhappy with your results and are concerned, there are a range of mental health supports available here.
A lot of people will tell you today that these results don’t define you, that the Leaving Cert is only a piece of paper and that they ended up doing exactly what they wanted to do in the end anyway. They might be right, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to be happy, sad, indifferent, disappointed, elated, jealous or a whole other mix of emotions.
Enjoy any celebrations you have this evening safely, and remember to follow public health guidance at all times.
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