More students expected to get higher grades as Junior Cert bands changed

Helen McEntee said the changes will apply to the 73,000 students due to sit their junior cycle State exams in the coming weeks.

Ms McEntee said the changes would be “more reflective” of students’ and teachers’ school work.

The new system sees marks of 85% or above earn a Distinction, instead of 90% or above.

A Higher Merit is 70-84%, instead of 75-90%, and a Merit is 55% to 70%, rather than 55% to 75%.

The grade bands for Achieved, Partially Achieved and Not Graded remain unchanged.

Ms McEntee said she was “delighted” to confirm the changes, which she said would result in more students receiving distinctions and higher merits.

“With the top four ...
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