Why Grade Inflation Fails Everyone

“To inflate or not to inflate?” That is NOT the question.

The problem that inflated grades aimed to solve was the lost learning time due to Covid-19. But what inflated grades actually addressed was the grading system—not the underlying issue.

Grade inflation in the Leaving Cert is a slow-motion disaster in the making.

👉 College dropout rates: Grade inflation has artificially boosted Leaving Cert results, sending students into universities unprepared for the academic rigors ahead. The mismatch between inflated grades and actual student ability is evident in rising dropout rates, now at 15%. Universities are struggling to accurately assess students’ readiness, with even top scorers finding themselves overwhelmed.

👉 Northern Ireland students: The disparity in grading is also creating an unfair playing field. While Leaving Cert grades remain inflated, A-level results in Northern Ireland have returned to pre-pandemic standards. This has put Northern Irish students at a disadvantage, leading to increased competition and frustration. The two systems are now misaligned, and students are paying the price.

👉 Future 6th years: The consequences of grade inflation are set to compound. Future Leaving Cert students will be forced to compete with artificially inflated grades from previous years. Over 25% of CAO applicants reuse points from earlier years, meaning new students are entering a rigged game. The longer this persists, the harder it will be to restore fairness to the system.

This was never the right fix.

Instead of addressing the actual issue—the learning loss caused by the pandemic—Minister Norma Foley opted to manipulate the grading process. While the move was intended to maintain fairness, it has resulted in the opposite: a devaluation of grades, mounting pressure on future students, and a brewing crisis in higher education.

The real problem? No one is taking responsibility. The focus has remained on grades, while students have missed out on the learning they truly need.

In conclusion, grade inflation offered a quick fix but created a long-term disaster. We had better options: more learning resources, alternative assessments, or even expanded college places during the pandemic. Instead, the focus was misguided, and now students, educators, and universities are grappling with the fallout. Without immediate corrective action, this issue will only escalate. The clock is ticking.

TJ— CEO of Breakthrough Maths.

Need help in Maths? Contact the Breakthrough Maths team here.