27 November 2025
Bilbao Campus
Ernesto Panadero, Ikerbasque Research Professor at the University of Deusto and Director of the Centre for Assessment Research, Policy and Practice in Education (CARPE) at Dublin City University (DCU), organised and chaired a major national event for the Irish education system in Dublin on 22 November: "100 Years of the Leaving Certificate: Past Insights, Future Directions".
The Leaving Certificate is the end-of-secondary-school examination in Ireland and has, for a century, been the central element for university entry and the structuring of the country’s education system. Its importance, both socially and educationally, surpasses that of university entrance exams in other European countries. The anniversary of its creation has sparked a wide national debate about its future role, giving this academic meeting particular significance.
The event, held at DCU's Institute of Education, brought together more than twenty speakers and a broad institutional representation. The opening session was led by the Associate Dean for Research, Maura Coulter, and by Professor Panadero himself, who also acted as host and coordinated the day’s activities.
The programme featured two keynote presentations delivered by leading international figures: Andrea Feeney, CEO of the State Examinations Commission, the authority responsible for national exams in Ireland, and Jo-Anne Baird, Director of the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment and one of the most influential researchers in educational assessment.
In addition, multiple parallel sessions were held with academic leaders, policymakers, school principals, teachers, and student representatives, addressing key issues such as equity, curriculum reforms, performance assessment, alternative assessment components, and student mental health in high-pressure contexts.
The Deusto researcher closed the event by moderating a final panel discussion with prominent figures in the education sector, including Professors Baird and Feeney, as well as representatives of Irish teachers and students.
