The Central Applications Office (CAO) system for selecting students for higher education courses has been described as “crude, outdated and unfair” by school principals.
The National Association of Principals and Deputies (NAPD) said the system for awarding college places had the “appearance of fairness and transparency, but in reality, does not serve students’ best interests”.
The principals said cases of students who secured maximum Leaving Cert points – 625 – losing out on their preferred college courses – some of which were allocated by lottery this year, underlined the unfairness of the system.
Thousands of school-leavers begin college this week while others receive the CAO’s round two offers on Monday to see if they have secured a higher preference course choice.
School phone pouches: Opposition criticises ‘grotesque’ €9m spend
Language watchdog checking if enough secondary education through Irish is being offered
‘Chicken curry is very popular’: What to expect on school menus as free scheme is extended
Child benefit bonuses, free school meals and extra childcare funding approved
In light of these comments by school principals we would like to hear your views on the CAO. What was your experience of the CAO and did the system work for you?
You can share your views using the form below. A selection of responses will be used as the basis for an article on this subject.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
