The Galway-based CAO is currently dealing with some of its busiest days of the year, with Leaving Cert students having until 3pm, September 1st to confirm acceptance of their first CAO offer of a college place for the next academic year.

Figures from the Higher Education Authority for the 2021/2022 academic year show the rate increased from 12 per cent the previous year

Figures from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), show dropout rates increased 9 per cent compared to previous years