Ombudsman for Children encourages Leaving Cert students to consider all options

Students of 2017 should not experience same difficulties in accessing support

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has encouraged all students receiving their Leaving Certificate results tomorrow (Wednesday), especially those with special learning difficulties, to consider all of their options before deciding on the next step in their academic career.“Universities, Institutes of Technology, Colleges of Further Education, and indeed apprenticeships and other training schemes offer a wide range of opportunities for students. It is important to consider them all, and to remember that for those who need it, assistance can and should be provided.

“The Leaving Cert is an extremely stressful experience for all students, but particularly for those with special learning difficulties. We know, that with the right supports, these students can reach their full potential, and I hope that the majority are happy with what they have achieved.

“Many of this year’s Leaving Cert students experienced significant difficulties in securing access to the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme overseen by the State Examinations Commission. This scheme provides exam support in the form of scribes, readers or adapted marking schemes.

“In June we published a report outlining the complaints received by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in relation to the RACE scheme. Issues such as communication, fairness and oversight were common across all of the complaints. On foot of that report, and a high court case outlining similar issues, the State Examinations Commission is undertaking a review of the scheme.

“I expect this review to be completed shortly, so that students sitting their exams in 2017 have the maximum amount of time to apply for the RACE scheme and to appeal if necessary. We do not want the situation to arise again, where students are involved in this process right until the start of their exams.

“I wish all students receiving their exam results tomorrow the very best of luck. Remember whatever results you get – they are only scores in a test and they don’t fully reflect who you are as a person. Whether you get exactly what you want, or something else, it is important to enjoy your achievements with friends and family, before taking the next step into the future.”

ENDS

Contact:
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
01 865 6800

Notes to Editor

• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.

• 16 August 2016
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Education