CAO 2020

Welcome to our special 2020 Leaving Cert and CAO hub for everything you need to know about calculated grades, CAO offers, and other post-secondary options

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There is a need for a broad conversation on how we move young adults from secondary school to their desired career pathway, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has said. Photograph: Julien Behal

‘Snobby’ obsession with university for school-leavers must end, says Harris

Minister says Ireland is behind the curve in attracting students to apprenticeships

I plan to sit the Leaving Cert in November alongside college. Am I taking on too much?

I plan to sit the Leaving Cert in November alongside college. Am I taking on too much?

Ask Brian: It won’t be easy. But if you are genuinely dissatisfied, it is worth the effort to secure those extra CAO points

Up to 450 CAO offers will be sent to upgraded Leaving Cert students on Thursday

Up to 450 CAO offers will be sent to upgraded Leaving Cert students on Thursday

Calls to reveal how many students lost college places due to high grades issued in error

Almost 8,000 higher Leaving Cert grades issued in error

Almost 8,000 higher Leaving Cert grades issued in error

Concern that high grades ‘squeezed out’ some students from their CAO choices

Leaving Cert Q&A: How exactly did errors hurt student grades?

Leaving Cert Q&A: How exactly did errors hurt student grades?

It may not prove possible to take up new CAO offers for certain very high-demand courses

Norma Foley: Maximum number of college places will be made available but some may have to defer

Norma Foley: Maximum number of college places will be made available but some may have to defer

Up to 1,000 extra third level places may be needed following Leaving Cert grading error

Colleges may have to create 1,000 extra places after Leaving Cert errors

Colleges may have to create 1,000 extra places after Leaving Cert errors

Number affected by coding mistake in grade calculations will not be known for days

Leaving Cert: 6,500 students awarded lower grade due to code errors

Leaving Cert: 6,500 students awarded lower grade due to code errors

Government will work with colleges to give places to those who missed out

Analysis

A large majority (79 per cent) of students’ estimated grades given by their teachers and schools will remain the same.

Q&A: How will calculated grade changes affect CAO points for college courses?

Higher grades will push up points, but additional places may ease some pressure

Algorithms fail the test in exams debacle

Advice

I missed out on CAO points for nursing. Is there another route into it?

I missed out on CAO points for nursing. Is there another route into it?

Ask Brian: Cost-cutting means there are few options outside the CAO process

I plan to sit the Leaving Cert in November alongside college. Am I taking on too much?

I plan to sit the Leaving Cert in November alongside college. Am I taking on too much?

Ask Brian: It won’t be easy. But if you are genuinely dissatisfied, it is worth the effort to secure those extra CAO points

Is it a good idea for my daughter to study physiotherapy abroad?

Is it a good idea for my daughter to study physiotherapy abroad?

Ask Brian: Cheaper fees, prestigious courses and easier entry requirements are turning many students’ heads

I find it hard to learn online. How will I survive in college this year?

I find it hard to learn online. How will I survive in college this year?

Ask Brian: Most teaching in third level will be online, but there are supports available

Should my daughter defer her college place?

Should my daughter defer her college place?

Ask Brian: Many families are struggling to justify the cost of accommodation given so much material will be taught online

CAO: Four things you need to know before accepting an offer

CAO: Four things you need to know before accepting an offer

Grades are up significantly this year, so expect increased points for many programmes

Also in Education

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Ombudsman report highlights cases of children waiting years to have their needs met

2020 Results and Offers Everything you need to know about calculated grades, CAO offers, and other post-secondary options

Student Hub The online resource for third-level students in Ireland

Advice: Brian Mooney

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@ExamWatch

Tweets by @Examwatch

They gym is often the first port of call for students checking out a college’s sports facilities. Photograph: iStockphoto/Getty Images

College choice What else should you consider when selecting your third level options

2020 Results and Offers Everything you need to know about calculated grades, CAO offers, and other post-secondary options

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