Grade inflation eased but was largely offset by a record CAO application total of almost 90,000. Almost 20,000 applicants were previous Leaving Cert candidates, likely including many from 2024 who benefited from an average 7% artificial boost compared with pre-pandemic levels. That 7% increase amounted to about an extra 60 points per student; with grade inflation reduced to 5.9% this year, that boost fell by roughly 10 points on average. Top H1 grades declined to 11.7% from 14–15%, relieving pressure at the very top but leaving intense competition elsewhere. Fewer Level 8 applicants received first-preference or top-three offers than in 2024. Gradual withdrawal of grade inflation could create complicating factors for years ahead.
While grade inflation eased, it was offset by the record number of CAO applications, hitting almost 90,000 this year.
Significantly, applicants included almost 20,000 Leaving Cert candidates from previous years, likely to include many from 2024 who have the benefit of an average 7pc artificial boost to their results, when compared with pre-pandemic levels.
The 7pc increase translated into an average additional 60 points per student and, with grade inflation reduced to 5.9pc this year, that 60-point boost is reduced by an average of about 10 points.
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