Lower Leaving Cert results expected as grade inflation continues to decrease
Next year’s Leaving Cert results are projected to be lower on average, aligning more closely with pre-2020 standards. This shift is part of ongoing efforts to address grade inflation.
Grade Inflation and Upcoming Changes
Education Minister Helen McEntee announced that the gradual removal of the post-marking adjustment, which began in 2025, will continue into 2026. This adjustment aims to revert average results to levels before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2025 results were, on average, 5.9% higher than in 2019.
- In 2024, 68% of grades were adjusted upwards, compared to 71% in 2023.
The decision to address grade inflation comes after years of changes in examination formats and adjustments implemented due to public health measures. The 2026 examination cycle will occur over six years after the pandemic began, making it crucial to restore pre-pandemic conditions to maintain the integrity of the assessments.
Future Implications for 2026 and Beyond
Minister McEntee reassured students that the return to normality will be gradual. The overall results in 2026 will remain slightly below those from 2020—specifically, they are expected to be over four percentage points lower than in 2019.
Recent years featured various assessment adjustments aimed at easing the examination process:
- Increased student choice on exam papers.
- Reduced coursework requirements.
- Simplifications in oral Irish examinations.
These adjustments will remain until the introduction of newly revised curricula and examination formats under the Senior Cycle Redevelopment program. Students entering the Leaving Certificate in 2027 will still benefit from current assessment changes in core subjects like Irish, English, and Maths, along with an additional 29 subjects.
Additional Considerations for Junior Cycle Students
Similarly, a phased approach will apply to the assessment adjustments for Leaving Certificate Applied students. Junior Cycle students scheduled for examinations in 2027 and 2028 will complete only one Classroom Based Assessment, reflecting the streamlined process established in recent years.
Overall, these changes signal a significant shift for students preparing for the Leaving Cert as the education system aims to find a balance between maintaining standards and addressing the impacts of the pandemic.
