New plans to give students CAO points even if they fail higher level paper

New proposals will make it harder to fail higher level papers in the Leaving Cert.

CAO points will in future be awarded to those achieving between 30 and 39 per cent, instead of the current system which sees anything below 40 per cent marked as a fail.

Next September’s fifth year students will be the first group to benefit from the scheme when their turn comes to face the state exams.

The plan will be brought to cabinet by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan tomorrow.