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When is Leaving Cert Maths 2027?
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) hasn't published the 2027 Leaving Cert timetable yet. We'll add the Maths Paper 1 and Paper 2 dates and times here the day it's published. See the Leaving Cert 2027 timetable for the latest.
Leaving Cert Maths papers and levels
Maths is examined at Higher, Ordinary and Foundation level, on the syllabus examined since 2015:
- Higher and Ordinary: two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Each has a Section A (Concepts and Skills) and a Section B (Contexts and Applications).
- Foundation: one written paper.
Maths is not one of the nine tranche 1 subjects revised for 2027, so the syllabus hasn't changed.
What changes on the Maths papers in 2027?
The Department of Education and Youth's Assessment Arrangements 2027 add choice at every level. Section A questions will be "similar in content and length" to previous years, but you attempt one less.
| Level | Section | Usual layout | 2027 layout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher | A (150 marks) | Six questions × 25 marks, no choice | Six questions × 30 marks: answer five |
| B (150 marks) | Two to four questions, no choice | Four questions × 50 marks: answer three | |
| Ordinary | A (150 marks) | Six questions × 25 marks, no choice | Six questions × 30 marks: answer five |
| B (150 marks) | Two to four questions, no choice | Four questions × 50 marks: answer three | |
| Foundation | A (210 marks) | Eight questions × 25 marks (200 marks), no choice | Eight questions × 30 marks: answer seven |
| B (90 marks) | Two or three questions (100 marks), no choice | Three questions × 45 marks: answer two |
In Section B, the Department says each question will have "somewhat" less material than a typical question of that size. So for 2027 past papers are still the right practice, but plan your time for the new choice.
CAO points and the Maths bonus
- Higher: H1 is worth 100 points, plus 25 bonus points for H6 or above. So a H6 counts as 71 and a H1 as 125. The bonus counts only if Maths is in your best six.
- Ordinary: O1 is worth 56 points.
- Foundation: F1 is worth 20 and F2 12. Some colleges may not award points for Foundation Maths.
From the CAO Handbook 2027. Courses also have minimum entry requirements, so check each course you're interested in. Work out your total with the points calculator.
Leaving Cert Maths past papers
Official Maths papers and marking schemes are free in the SEC's Examination Material Archive. Because the syllabus is unchanged, papers from 2015 on cover the same course, but remember the 2027 layout above gives you more choice. See how to find past papers.
Questions people ask
When is the Leaving Cert Maths exam in 2027?
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has not published the 2027 Leaving Cert timetable yet (checked 31 October 2026). We add the Maths dates the day it is published.
How many papers are in Leaving Cert Maths?
Two at Higher and Ordinary level (Paper 1 and Paper 2), each with a Section A and a Section B. One paper at Foundation level.
Is there more choice on the Leaving Cert Maths papers in 2027?
Yes. The Department of Education and Youth's arrangements for 2027 add choice at every level. At Higher and Ordinary, Section A has six questions worth 30 marks each and you answer five; Section B has four questions worth 50 marks each and you answer three.
Is Maths one of the new Leaving Cert subjects in 2027?
No. Maths is not in tranche 1 of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, so it keeps the syllabus examined since 2015, with the adjusted 2027 layout.
How many bonus points do you get for Higher Level Maths?
25 bonus points for a H6 or above, so a H6 is worth 71 and a H1 125. The bonus counts only if Maths is one of your best six subjects.
How many CAO points is Foundation Maths?
F1 is worth 20 points and F2 12. Some colleges may not award points for Foundation Maths, so check with the college.