The CAO awards points to students based on their achievements in the Leaving Certificate examination.A student’s points are calculated according to these tables, counting their best six subjects only. If a student has sat the Leaving Cert more than once, their points are calculated according to their best year’s performance.

Maths Bonus Points
25 bonus points will be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant. Click here to view a more detailed description of the Bonus Points Scheme for Higher Level Leaving Certificate Mathematics, with some examples.

A new Leaving Certificate grading scale was introduced in 2017. The new scale has 8 grades, the highest grade is a Grade 1, the lowest grade a Grade 8. The highest seven grades 1-7 divide the marks range 100% to 30% into seven equal grade bands 10% wide, with a grade 8 being awarded for percentage marks of less than 30%. The grades at higher level and ordinary level are distinguished by prefixing the grade with H or O respectively, giving H1-H8 at higher level, and O1-O8 at ordinary level. This new 8-point grading scale will replace the current 14-point scale at both Higher and Ordinary levels. Currently, the majority of students receiving a given grade are within 3 percentage marks of a higher grade, and 5 extra points, creating pressure towards rote learning and using the marking scheme to gain those few additional marks.

25 bonus points continues to be awarded for higher level mathematics, at grades H6 and above.

Restricted entry courses are courses that must be included on the initial CAO application and cannot be added after the February 1 closing date (excluding Medicine which has an earlier deadline of January 20th to allow for the taking of the HPAT test).

Most of the restricted entry courses fall into a broad range of categories such as; creative, dramatic, visual media, art, music and architectural studies. These courses require further assessment in the form of interview or portfolio presentation for consideration of entry onto those courses.

If an applicant is interested in a restricted entry course then the most important thing is to ensure it is on the CAO application before the February 1st deadline. This allows also for the time needed to prepare for the extra assessment. Planning this preparation early will be important when managing study time during the months leading up to the leaving cert exams.

In addition to the restricted entry courses, HEAR and DARE applicants will need to indicate their intention to apply for those schemes. The HEAR scheme applies to students trying to overcome socio-economic disadvantages, whilst the DARE scheme applies to students with an illness or disability. Both of these schemes assist students with entry to third level, with the provision of a small number of allocated places on reduced points. The schemes also provide access to learning and support services whilst in college.