Students get three days to register for Leaving Cert levels

THE online registration of Leaving Cert candidates for the new calculated grade process will run for three days, starting today.

All Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied students are being asked to register, even if, ultimately, they decide that they don’t want to receive the calculated grades.

Importantly, signing up provides an opportunity for candidates to confirm the level at which they want to be assessed in a subject.

Students can stick with the same level – higher, ordinary, foundation – at which they entered for the traditional exams, or they can drop down a level. Students generally stick with the level at which they originally entered, but sometimes candidates go down a level. This is particularly a feature in maths.

Teachers need confirmation of subject level, so they can provide an estimated mark/ class ranking for students at the appropriate level.

The gov.ie/leavingcertificate portal will remain open until 10pm on Thursday.

When they log in, candidates will be asked for their exam number, public service number (PPS), which they will use to create a personal identification number (PIN), email address and mobile number.

Education Minister Joe McHugh said schools had been asked to assist students as much as possible, but if anyone had trouble getting access online, there would be a helpline for support.

He urged students not to “leave it until the last minute, we need every student to register so that the new system can operate smoothly”.

Calculated grades are replacing traditional summer Leaving Cert exams, which were deemed not possible because of the logistical difficulties associated with Covid-19.

If students are not happy with their calculated grades, there will be an opportunity to sit exams at a later date – November is the earliest mentioned – but this will be too late for college entry this year.