Joy on 'CAO Day' at school in Kilkenny

After the excitement of Leaving Cert Results Day, hot on its heels was ‘CAO Day’ on Wednesday last.

A post ‘CAO Day’ survey by the guidance department of Castlecomer Community School has underpinned a growing trend in recent years.

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With over one quarter of students receiving over 500 points and another 30% achieving over 440 points, expectations were high. So far nearly nine out of ten of the Leaving Cert class of 2023 have responded. 

To date 86% of the class of 2023 have got the first round offer they applied for. A further 8% got the apprenticeship of their choice while 6% were either taking a gap year or have taken up employment.

SETU continues to be the most popular destination with 21% of students accepting places in the South-East’s new university. 

DCU and UL are also prominent destinations with 16% of students accepting offers in DCU and a further 16% in UL.  Other destinations include Trinity, UCD, Thurles, Sligo and UCG.

One emerging trend is a small number of students now choosing to take a gap year between Leaving Cert and college.

A small but growing number of students are accepting apprenticeships. Post recession, the number of apprenticeships being offered in these rewarding career pathways is most encouraging.

School Principal Mr Pat Murphy said he is delighted with the progress of his Class of 2023. 

"The biggest sea change since our school was founded in the 1980s has been this steady year-on-year increase of past students taking up 3rd level degree courses," he said.

"In the 1980's it would have been around 30% progression rate. Now it is regularly between 85% - 90%. It shows how society has changed and is also a tribute to our dedicated staff and hard-working students."