Courts / Wexford / Report

Leaving Cert error correction system "manifestly not fit for purpose", judge finds

Date
2018-10-03

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Castlebridge

County
Wexford

Summary

In a High Court hearing, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys delivered a written judgment in an application brought by Rebecca Carter, an 18-year-old student from Rectory Hall, Castlebridge, Wexford, against the State Examination Commission (SEC). The judge found that the SEC's error correction system was "manifestly not fit for purpose" and "highly unfair," causing "untold stress" to applicants. The case concerned Carter's Leaving Certificate points, which were wrongly computed, initially leaving her six points short of the requirement for Veterinary Medicine at UCD. Following a review, her Business Studies grade was increased from H2 to H1, correcting the total to qualify her for the course. The judge ruled that the SEC must rectify the error in totalling marks before UCD closed its 2018 admissions. Although Carter successfully secured her place and was awarded costs, the judge noted she lost the initial weeks of her course due to delays in the appeal process. The judgment criticized the lack of coordination among education agencies, stating the situation "cannot be repeated." The SEC had opposed the application, arguing it was self-serving, but the judge acknowledged the severe stress the matter caused Carter. The decision highlights systemic failures in the review process, despite the successful outcome for the applicant.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Leaving Cert error correction system "manifestly not fit for purpose", judge finds. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2018-10-03 Publication

Why: The judge said in order to avoid a repeat of similar problems in the future, "an intensified process of coordination, in which central government could place a facilitative role, might assist. CNI source report