Want to talk to someone about Calculated Grades?
If you have a question about your results, CAO offers, or you simply need someone who can listen, there are services to help you
This past year has been a stressful time for Leaving Cert students. With so much uncertainty around the exams taking place, how calculated grades were going to work, and what it will mean for the CAO, it’s been a long road to get to results day.
Since the calculated grades system is new, many students will have questions about their results and what will happen next. Others might be feeling upset about their results and need someone who can listen to them. If you have just received your Leaving Cert results, there are two services - Youth Information Chat, and 50808 - who are here to help.
Errors in calculated grades system
This week it was announced that two errors have been discovered in the Calculated Grades system. These errors have affected around 6,000 pupils (10% of all Leaving Cert students). The Department will be making contact with students who have been affected, and in some cases, grades may be increased. If you are concerned that your grades have been affected by these errors, there are people you can talk to. Our two services - Youth Information Chat, and 50808 - are here to help.
Get more information about calculated grades and the CAO
If you have a question or concern about your results or your next steps, the Youth Information Chat is here to help.
Youth Information Chat
Youth Information Chat is an online chat service operated by Youth Information Centres across Ireland and SpunOut.ie. The chat service connects young people or parents with a professional Youth Information Officer who can provide them with personalised information.
For any students who are concerned that they have been impacted by the Calculated Grades errors, the Youth Information Chat will be there to answer your questions.
The chat is available from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, you can leave a message and someone will get back to you when they log online.
Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer.
Some of the things you can speak to a Youth Information Officer include:
- The errors found in the Calculated Grades system
- Deciding to sit an exam in November
- What to do if you didn’t get the points you were hoping for
- How the CAO system works
- Your options if you don’t want to go to college
- Appealing a calculated grade
- Other questions about the Leaving Cert, the CAO, or your future
Start your conversation with a Youth Information Officer now.
Talk to someone about how you’re feeling
Leaving Cert results day can be an emotional time, especially if you didn’t get the points you were hoping for. It’s important to let people know how you’re feeling and reach out to others for support. Although you may be feeling disappointed, remember you have plenty of options.
If you need someone to talk to, you can contact our free 24/7 text message support service.
50808
If you’re feeling upset or overwhelmed about calculated grades, the CAO, or your plans for the future, our anonymous 24/7 text message support service can connect you with a trained volunteer who will listen to you and help you to move forward feeling better.
Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to get started.
Find out more about our text message support service.
Learn more about calculated grades and the CAO
Need more information? Read about the CAO and your options below:
What to do if you're not happy with your results
Information on the CAO
- Everything you need to know about CAO offers
- What to do if you don’t get your first choice on the CAO
- How to defer a college place for a year
Finance and accommodation for college
- Applying for a student grant from SUSI
- Financial supports for college students in Ireland
- Finding student accommodation during COVID-19