Implementation of Ireland’s Leaving Certificate 2020-2021
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID 19 pandemic, countries around the world faced the challenge of how
to certify student learning at the end of schooling, when in-person examinations were
no longer possible. In 2020 and 2021, Ireland developed emergency measures to replace
the country’s historic Senior Cycle examinations, or Leaving Certificate. The global
health situation, school closures and the challenges to continue teaching and learning
in this context made it a particularly difficult time for students, teachers, school
leaders, families and policy makers. Ireland’s emergency solutions – the Calculated
Grades System in 2020 and the Accredited Grades System in 2021 – provided recognised
certification of student achievement and enabled Ireland’s young people to progress
to the next stage of life, into further education or employment. This policy perspective
reflects on the experience for stakeholders of the solutions that were adopted in
2020 and 2021.
Published on July 17, 2023
In series:OECD Education Policy Perspectivesview more titles