Update 24th May - Leaving Certificate

 Leaving Certificate

What is the Leaving Certificate?

The Leaving Certificate – often called the Leaving Cert – is a 2-year school programme that covers a wide range of subjects. The Leaving Cert exam is the final exam taken by second-level students in Ireland.

Subjects can be studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level. Students who might have difficulty with Irish and Maths can study them at Foundation Level. Depending on the subject, you are assessed using a combination of continuous assessment, practical exams and oral exams. Most subjects have a written exam.

How is the exam graded?

The exam has 8 grades. The highest is Grade 1 and the lowest is Grade 8.

Grade 1 is for marks between 90% and 100%. Each grade band after this is 10% wide, except for Grade 8 which is under 30%.

When do the Leaving Certificate written exams start?

The Leaving Certificate written exams run from Wednesday, 7 June 2023 to Tuesday, 27 June 2023.

The State Examinations Commission has published the Leaving Cert 2023 exam timetable (pdf).

What happens if I can’t sit my written exam?

If you cannot sit your written exam because of a family bereavement, serious accident, injury or illness, you may be able to sit the deferred Leaving Certificate exam, which starts at the end of June. Your school must apply to the SEC on the day of the first missed exam. The SEC will decide if you meet the criteria for a deferral.

When will I get my Leaving Certificate results?

The release date for results has yet to be announced for 2023. In previous years, the results were released in August or September.

Read more about the Leaving Cert on https://bit.ly/LeavingCertificate or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

Update 4th May

 What is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides funding so you can refurbish vacant and derelict homes. You can also use it to renovate properties that have not been used as residential properties before.

How much is the grant worth?

You can currently get up to €30,000 to refurbish a vacant home and €50,000 for a derelict home. The grant includes VAT. However, these grants are due to increase to €50,000 for vacant homes and €70,000 for derelict homes.

Does my property meet the criteria for the grant?

The grant currently applies to vacant properties built before 1993, and you must live in the property as your main residence once the work is completed.

However, from 1 May 2023, the grant will be extended to vacant properties built before 2007 and to people who want to rent out the properties when they are refurbished.

How do I qualify for the grant?

To qualify, you must own the home, or be in the process of buying it, and it must have been vacant for two or more years. You must also have tax clearance from Revenue, have paid your Local Property Tax, and your tax affairs must be in order.

How do I apply for the grant?

You must complete an application form and send it to your local authority. You must provide supporting documents that prove that the property is vacant or derelict and that you own it or are trying to buy it. You will also need a quote for the work.

If your application is successful, the grant will paid when the work is done and the local authority has inspected it.

Read more about the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on https://bit.ly/VacantPropertyRefurbishment or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.