MORE than 3,700 Irish secondary school students have failed their Leaving Cert mathematics exam.
More than 57,000 students all over the country opened up their much-anticipated Leaving Cert exams this morning.
According to the Irish Times, 3,700 of those look set to miss out on a place in a third-level course after failing their maths exam.
Failing maths makes it almost impossible to achieve a college course, as passing the subject is regarded as a basic entry requirement.
The majority of failures came at ordinary level, with just under 10% of students failing to reach the pass mark.
Just under 2% failed the higher level equivalent.
Following an overhaul of the grading system, last year saw a new high in students taking higher-level subjects.
Those who applied for college will not know whether they have secured their first-choice places until next Monday when offers through the CAO are made.
Elsewhere, a small number of students have achieved stellar results, with seven students securing top grades ( H1s or 90-100 per cent) across eight subjects.
Minister for Education Richard Bruton described the failure rate in ordinary level maths as a "concern" but offered words of encouragement to students.
“Students receiving your results today, I want you to know that there are more opportunities now than ever before, to help you achieve your ambitions in life.
“There are a number of pathways to further your education, whether you choose third level, a post-Leaving Cert course, or the apprenticeship and traineeship routes.
"While the maths failure rate at ordinary level is a source of concern, policymakers will be pleased at the record high in the numbers opting for higher-level maths."
See More: Education, Exams, Ireland, Leaving Cert, Maths, School
