The number sitting the Leaving Cert has fallen to the lowest level in over a decade, new figures show.
The downward trend will boost hopes that CAO points for some third-level courses could fall this year. But career experts say this is unlikely for the majority of the most popular courses.
A total of 55,467 will sit the Leaving Cert, which begins in less than a fortnight. This is the lowest figure since 1991 and reflects the fall in population among teenagers.
This year, a record total of 90 subjects will be examined. For the first time, a small number of students will take religion as an exam subject.
Meanwhile, results of last year's exam reveal that about 40 per cent of students gained four honours ie Grade C3 (55-60 per cent) or higher in honours level papers. In other trends, less than 20 per cent secured six honours. Only a small percentage received six honours of which three were Grade A2 (85-90 per cent) or higher.
The past two decades have seen a trebling in the number of students securing A grades in the Leaving Cert exam.
Some educationalists have expressed concern about so- called "grade inflation" in the Leaving Cert. However, others say the increasing pressure for college places means the exam is as difficult as ever.
Last year, one study found that academic standards of the Leaving Cert compared favourably with the A-level system in Britain. While the A-level exam is still more demanding, the credits given to Irish Leaving Cert students going to British colleges has been increased.
