Education Minister Helen McEntee is bringing forward major changes to the Leaving Certificate examination system today, presenting the reform package to Cabinet. The plan will significantly alter how students are assessed, with 40 percent of marks in all subjects to be allocated to practical examinations and year-long projects rather than final written exams.
The government aims to reduce the intense pressure students face during the traditional end-of-year examination period by spreading assessments throughout the academic year. These reforms are scheduled to begin implementation in the next academic year.
However, the proposed changes have met resistance from teaching unions who argue the reforms are being implemented too hastily and contain fundamental flaws. In response to these concerns, the government has negotiated a package of concessions for teachers that includes improvements to contract permanency conditions, restructuring of Croke Park agreement hours, and the establishment of working groups on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) is recommending its members accept the agreement, while the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) plans to ballot its members both on the proposed deal and potential strike action if the agreement is rejected.
Reports suggest that a planned five percent pay increase for teachers could be withheld if the reform program is blocked, adding further complexity to the ongoing negotiations between the government and education representatives.