Big numbers...
Students around the country are waking up to their Leaving Cert results this morning and it's looking like students will have plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
Failure rates across students sitting higher level subjects have dropped significantly and those heading to college for the first time look set to benefit from the first change in grading and CAO points in many years.
Across the country, 58,500 students will be receiving their points today and 13 students received eight H1s, according to the
Irish Independent. A H1 is a score of between 90-100, the equivalent of an old A1.
Thirteen is almost double the amount (seven) who received the grade last year.
There were also 63 people with seven H1s, which is up an incredible 47 from last year.
Under a new grading system for the first time this year, students who received between 30% and 39% were eligible for CAO points, when previously, this was an E grade and a fail.
CAO offers are due out on Monday and any students who applied for colleges will know then if their applications have been successful. The good results could put pressure on points for courses which are in high demand.
Commenting on the results, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton welcomed the increase in numbers taking higher level subjects.
“For the class of 2017 there are more pathways than ever before to help you to achieve your potential," he said.
"There is a wide range of opportunities in the further education and training sector, including traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as in the third level sector.
“For students who may not have done as well as they might have hoped, take time to consider all the options which are available and can lead you to your chosen career. Whatever your results today - there will be opportunities for you."
