The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has congratulated students receiving their Leaving Certificate results today, drawing attention to the wide range of further and higher education options now open to them.
The Union has said that meaningful consultation and the provision of appropriate resources will be key to ensuring the success of Senior Cycle redevelopment.
Comments from TUI President Anthony Quinn:
Congratulations to the class of 2025!
‘Today, students should be commended for their hard work and commitment. We congratulate them and wish them the very best now and in the future.’
Unprecedentedly wide range of options open to school-leavers
‘The Leaving Certificate examination is a stepping stone on an individual’s education pathway, not a destination. Now more than ever, education is a lifelong pursuit.’
‘There is an unprecedentedly diverse range of choices available to today’s school-leavers. Along with options in Technological Universities/Institutes of Technology and Universities, students should keep in mind the wide range of courses in Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) colleges. These offer standalone qualifications with the option of subsequent progression to higher education and training.’
‘In terms of apprenticeships, there is an extensive range of both traditional and new options.’
Obsession with CAO points
‘It is unfortunate that much discourse at this time of year focuses on points alone. Students should remember that these numbers do not define them or their achievements - they are a by-product of what sometimes seems like a national obsession with progression to third level.’
Senior Cycle redevelopment – the challenges ahead
‘In May, members of the TUI voted to accept the negotiated implementation measures for Senior Cycle redevelopment in a national ballot. The Union’s Executive Committee had recommended acceptance, stating that it believed the measures were the best that could be achieved through negotiation.'
'The measures provide for a rebalancing of the so-called ‘Croke Park’ hours, a shorter qualifying period for teachers to attain permanency, additional posts of responsibility for schools and various other resources.'
'Crucially, the agreement provides for working groups to address specific concerns such as workload and the role of AI in assessment and over the summer months the TUI has been actively engaged with the Department in their establishment.'
'In addition, the TUI has sought and received assurances regarding the full protection of teachers who suspect improper conduct by examination candidates.'
'Importantly, the document states in relation to the various new subject specifications due from 2026 onwards that "where considered appropriate and necessary for development and/or implementation reasons, the implementation of individual subjects may be delayed from the current published schedule."'
'As with any agreement, we will insist that the Department acts in good faith. Should the commitments set out in the document that our members voted on not be met, the issue would be immediately addressed by our Executive Committee, who would decide on the union’s course of action. Meaningful consultation when required and the timely provision of the required resources will be key to the programme’s success.’