Research by Professor Damian Murchan (TCD School of Education), Dr Jane O’Hara (TCD) and Dr Gerry Shiel (Educational Research Centre) has highlighted continuing changes to high-stakes secondary school exams internationally since the pandemic. 

Presented at the 2025 International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement, the study shows the UK and Ireland have taken different approaches to adapting exams since the pandemic, with student grades in the UK now close to pre-pandemic levels. 

The study examined the modifications made to exam systems internationally both during and after the pandemic, noting that countries basing qualifications primarily on exams found it difficult to cope, compared to systems that used a greater mix of assessment approaches.  

One key takeaway from the ICSEI conference is that second-level qualifications systems must be prepared for future disruptions like health emergencies, natural disasters, climate change, or conflicts.