The Minister for Education has confirmed that post-marking adjustment (PMA), or automatic grade inflation, will come to an end in 2028. 

The system was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, to compensate the class of 2020 for the severe disruption to their education caused by school closures and remote learning. 

All Leaving Certificate results were automatically boosted by 7%, a number that has been steadily reduced in the years since then. 

This year’s cohort of students have had their marks boosted automatically by 4%, down from 5.8% in 2025. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton said her department is committed to ending grade inflation. 

“We gave a commitment to a gradual return to normal leaving cert outcomes,” she said. 

“So next year, we will be continuing that gradual return; then, by 2028, we will be back to the Leaving Cert levels.”

Minister Hildegarde Naughton. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

Concerns have been raised about the fairness of a system that sees students who reapply to the CAO retain marks that were automatically boosted by a higher percentage that those who sat their exams this year. 

Newstalk's Ciara Kelly previously labelled it a “deeply flawed” system and a “cruel” way to treat students.

However, Minister Naughton described the class of 2026’s results as “very much stable” and similar to those in previous years. 

“That return has been very gradual,” she said. 

“That has been the commitment, because this is all about supporting students and making sure that we are doing this in a way that supports them to reach their milestones. 

“And to achieve their learning outcomes and get into the courses or the apprenticeships that they want.”

The Galway TD noted there is a “huge amount of choice out there” and said anyone who needs guidance or support can call 1800 265 165.

Main image: Leaving Cert results day at Schull Community College. Picture by: Andy Gibson/Alamy Live News.