Sixth year students could be back in classrooms in just over a week if a new Government plan gets the green light.
If the plan were to go ahead, it is understood that those sitting the Leaving Cert would be offered a choice of calculated grades, written exams, or both come June.
And the move, which will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday, could see those sitting the State Exams return to classrooms on February 22.
But teaching unions have not yet backed the Government's latest proposal - which could prove a major headache.
Other students and primary schools would return in early March, the Sunday Independent reports.
A memorandum from the Department of Education given to the Government will set out the plans to give students the option between exams and calculated grades.
It is understood that the vast majority of students wanted the option.
The news comes after ASTI returned to talks with Government on Saturday.
The union left discussions on Thursday, in a move that was blasted as "beyond unhelpful" by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.
But after meeting with Minister for Education Norma Foley on Friday, the group has agreed to return to the table.
An ASTI spokeswoman said: "At subsequent engagements with the Minister for Education and her officials, the ASTI raised its concerns about doubts that had been put forward regarding the staging of additional component elements of this year’s Leaving Certificate examinations (coursework, orals, practical exams, etc.) and the consequent relegation of the Leaving Certificate to a secondary position.
"The Minister was unequivocal in her statement of commitment to holding the Leaving Certificate this year.
"On that basis, the ASTI believes that doubts regarding the staging of additional component elements of this year’s Leaving Certificate Examinations have been substantially alleviated. We expect the Minister to ensure that they will take place.
"The ASTI also raised the issue of a lack of data available in many schools to base and inform the parallel/corresponding measure which the Minister is seeking to put in place alongside the Leaving Certificate.
"The Minister has committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen the position in this regard."
