Leaving Certificate 2021
We have been living through extraordinary times due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Everyone’s lives have been impacted by this crisis. The public health measures that have been put in place in Ireland and worldwide, to stop the spread of the virus, have been very successful but resulted in challenges that may have and continue to impact on our wellbeing. These include the closing of all schools and the cancelling of the Leaving Certificate examinations in 2020.
Regretfully, the pandemic has also impacted the Leaving Certificate 2021. This page is designed to support Leaving Certificate students of 2021 with links below can take you to specific information about the Calculated Grades, CAO, Apprenticeships, Wellbeing Resources that are available to help and support Leaving Certificate 2021 students.
2021 My Application Login
Course Search

How to get Calculated Grades Results on 7 September
The Calculated Grades Student Portal has re-opened in order to allow all 2020 Leaving Certificate students who Opted to receive Calculated Grades to view their Results.
CAO Calculator | 2017 -2021
To calculate your points score based on Irish Leaving Certificate results, select the exam year and then enter your results by level and grade.
Points Required for Entry in 2021
On this page, the CAO will post the points required for entry to third level education in 2020.
Available Place Course List 2021
Where there are available places in specific courses, HEIs will advertise these on the CAO website
Learn About Available Places
Before making an “Available Places” application, those matching the description “Restricted Categories of Applicant” on Page 3 of the CAO handbook should first consult with the Admissions Office of the HEI concerned.
Mature Applicants
Before applying you should read the CAO Handbook and view the information for mature applicants on Higher Education Institution websites. In particular, you should note HEI requirements for the provision of supplementary application information.
A guide for parents and guardians
This document has been prepared by the Central Applications Office (CAO) to assist parents and guardians supporting a student in their undergraduate application to Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
DARE | Disability Access Route to Education
Applicants, parents, and guidance counsellors with questions about completing the HEAR or SIF/DARE form should consult the published handbooks and contact CAO if they cannot find answers to their questions. They will have staff trained in dealing with queries on completing these sections of the form.
Questions on how applicants will be assessed and how offers are to be determined should be directed to the Access and Disability Offices in Higher Education Institutions and not CAO. CAO plays no part in making decisions on admissions.
Generation Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is an exciting and proven way for employers to develop talent for their company and industry. Apprenticeships are designed by industry-led groups, supporting growth and competitiveness.
Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation. Apprenticeships open up exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking a real job.
1
March 2021
Special schools at 100% capacity
Junior and senior infants, 1st and 2nd class to return to school
Final year Leaving Certificate classes to return to school
8
March 2021
Resumption of the ECCE programme and return to school of ECCE-age children
15
March 2021
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class return to school at primary level
5th year post-primary students to return to school
29
March 2021
Early learning and care, and school-age childcare services to reopen
12
April 2021
1st to 4th years post-primary return to school
30
Extended to 30June 2021
Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme
COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit
Covid Restrictions Support Scheme
Suspension of redundancy provisions
Commercial rates waiver