Record level of CAO applications means points system will surge for Co Kildare's Leaving Cert students

Bad news has been  announced for Leaving Cert students  with the confirmation  that CAO points system is set to significantly increase this August.

The potentially damaging news for students comes after Central Applications Office revealed that they fully expect to reach the highest level of applicants ever on record later this year. According the Irish Times, a record number of 63,554 applicants registered with the CAO this month, which marks a major increase 2,300 students seeking to undertake third level education next September.

The comes a major blow to students wishing to enter top level institutions around the country as the task will be made all the more difficult for those wishing to receive placements. It is believed that more than 80,000 students will sign up to the CAO system for the first time since it was introduced 40 years ago.

The CAO say such high demand for places will see a sharp increase in the entry-level requirements for popular courses in business, technology and science at third level.