First round CAO offers have been issued to around 52,000 applicants this morning. Changes to both the points system and the leaving cert grading systems have resulted in fluctuations in points requirements for many courses.

For example, many STEM-related courses have seen a fall in points requirements while many business courses, including Commerce have seen a rise as have as have construction and architecture. Nursing and Primary Teaching points have fallen.

The good news is that of the 43,113 Level 8 students who will receive offers today, 51% will secure their first preference while more than three-quarters will receive an offer from their first three choices.

However Independent.ie have reported a maths ‘anomaly’ in the new grading systems which is affecting some applicants’ eligibility for entry as primary teachers. Previously applicants for primary teaching required a minimum 40pc, an old D3, in maths at either higher or ordinary level to meet the minimum requirement for their course. Under the new system, Leaving Cert candidates are awarded 37 points for a H7 – a grade of between 30-39pc at higher level, in any paper. However a H7 in maths is not sufficient for acceptance to Primary Teaching but apparently a lower level O6 (40-49%) is acceptable. Parents feel this is unfair as an “O6 is being deemed a greater academic achievement than a H7”

Students have until next Monday to accept first round offers. Round two offers will be made on Thursday 31st August. Students accepting an offer in the first round can still accept a higher level offer in future rounds. Your can check out cut-off points for all courses on careersportal.ie

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