LCA REFORM REPORT 2023

DATE:  27/06/2023 

ISSU Statement : Students’ Union put LCA on ‘top priority list’ for Education Reform


Ahead of an Education Symposium, hosted by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) in collaboration with the Trinity College Dublin School of Education, the ISSU have launched their ‘Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Reform Report’. In attendance at the event include CEO of the State Examinations Commission (SEC) Andrea Feeny and Dr Áine Hyland, Former Vice-President of University College Cork, along with a number of well-known faces in the education sector and Department of Education officials. 

Speaking on the launch, Jack McGinn, ISSU Education Officer, has said “Today we mark the launch of the LCA Reform Report at the inaugural ISSU Education Symposium 2023. Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a crucial component of the Senior Cycle, but yet is often forgotten. Today we take a step in the right direction in breaking the stigma surrounding LCA, essentially ‘Reforming the Norm’. There is special onus on education stakeholders that they ensure LCA Reform is at the top of their priority list for future reforms. The next four years will be critical in shaping our Senior Cycle for decades to come, ”

Dr. Louise Heeran Flynn, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education, Trinity College, commenting “I am heartened to read that a large majority of students value the creativity, curiosity and engagement which their experiences on the LCA has provided them with, but the report also highlights that there is much to be done in the context of public perception of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme. The much anticipated reform of the wider Leaving Certificate including the LCA is expected to address the place and value of this innovative programme to a wider reach of students in Ireland.” 

The report is based on a survey conducted by the ISSU among a sample pool of schools offering the LCA Programme. Key statistics include:

  • 78.7% of respondents believe that the LCA programme encourages creativity, curiosity and engagement.

  • 77% of respondents feel strongly about their progression options regarding further educational opportunities. 

  • Only one in four believe society places moderate value on LCA.

  • Just under half of respondents feel that their peers look down on the programme