All third year students will be awarded certificates to show they have completed the Junior Cycle in absence of exams in 2020.
This is one of three key points that was announced by Education Minister Joe McHugh on Wednesday afternoon.
The Department of Education and Skills will allow schools autonomy to assess students, with adult learners allowed to take the exams in the autumn.
The decision was taken following recommendations from an advisory group of stakeholders as part of planning for the State Examinations after the usual exams were cancelled.
Minister McHugh attended the meeting and said the decision will give students and families more clarity.
He said: "In this difficult time for students I have listened to the very strongly-held and well-articulated views of students, parents and other stakeholders.
“This decision has been made with the health and wellbeing of students, parents and teachers at the forefront of our thinking.
“It gives students and their families more clarity and certainty. It also gives schools freedom to decide how best to assess the progress of students following three years of hard work and learning.”
As soon as possible after the end of the current school year, students will receive a written school report on their learning achievements in each subject, short course and/or priority learning unit.
Schools are also being given autonomy to decide whether to run school-based assessments and what form they take.
Options to consider include school-designed examinations, tasks, projects, assignments, essay style questions, presentations, or other tasks agreed at a local level.
Guidance for schools on reporting to students and parents, developed with the advice of the advisory group of stakeholders, will be published by the Department.
If you wish to nominate someone for our Covid-19 heroes campaign, all you have to do is email their name and a few details to heroes@irishmirror.ie.
