More Junior Cert Students Across Kildare To Achieve Top Grades Under New Marking System

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 10:32

By Martin Osborne

Meanwhile, teacher shortages, a lack of facilities and the threats posed by AI are some of the issues set to dominate the annual conferences of the teaching unions this week.

More students will get higher Junior Cert grades under changes announced today.

Over 3000 students across the county are expected to complete their Junior Certificate this year.

The plans will see the top four grades evenly distributed in bands of 15 percentage points.

A distinction will now start at 85 per cent, rather than 90 per cent, and a higher merit will start at 70 per cent, instead of 75.

Meanwhile, teacher shortages, a lack of facilities and the threats posed by AI are some of the issues set to dominate the annual conferences of the teaching unions this week.

Education Minister Helen McEntee has announced a series of measures to boost the profession including permanent contracts for teachers after just one year of service.

Speaking on Kildare Today, General Secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland, Michael Gillespie says instability is still driving teachers abroad:

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