Girls Outperform Boys In Leaving Cert

Irish girls have won the battle of the genders in the Leaving Certificate exams for another year.

Data released today by the State Examinations Commission shows more girls passing than boys and also achieving more As, Bs and Cs across almost all subjects and levels.

In the three core subjects, English, Irish and Maths, young women are ahead, exceptionally so in Ordinary Level Irish where they are 14% more likely to get an A, B or C.

The gap is narrowest in Higher Level Maths, but girls are still ahead, by 1%.

Publishing the figures today, the Chairman of the SEC, Mr Richard Langford, said: "On behalf of the Commission I would like to congratulate all candidates receiving their Leaving Certificate results today.

"These results not only reflect the hard work and dedication of the candidates but are a

tribute to the support and encouragement given by parents and teachers. In difficult

economic times these results can be a gateway for our young people to further and higher

education or training and employment opportunities. When considering their results I

would urge candidates to retain a sense of balance and to rejoice in their particular

personal achievements. I wish all of you well in your future studies, careers or in whatever you choose to do next."

Mr. Langford also paid tribute to all of the examiners, superintendents, teachers, school

personnel, and staff of the SEC, for their commitment in the conduct of this year’s

examinations.

The overall number sitting the examinations is up on last year’s number by 0.6%. Of the

57,839 candidates who sat Leaving Certificate examinations this year, 67% of candidates followed the established Leaving Certificate programme, 27% the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme and 5.8% following the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.

However, the male and female disparity has become increasingly significant, and continued even in areas traditionally thought of as more male-orientated.

An analysis of Higher Level papers in subjects such as Applied Maths, Physics, Construction Studies and Agricultural Science shows girls well ahead in all instances.

Studies say differing levels of maturity at age 17 or 18 and the fact that girls tend to be better prepared for exams may be partly the cause.

(DW/BMcC)