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.\u201cUniversities, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn June we published a report outlining the complaints received by the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish all students receiving their exam results tomorrow the very best of luck. Remember whatever results you get \u2013 they are only scores in a test and they don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact: Notes to Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nOmbudsman for Children\u2019s Office
\n01 865 6800<\/p>\n