The Leaving Certificate exams are, without question, the biggest challenge that you will be put through over the course of your academic career. If you ask any adult, no matter how many years it’s been since they sat the exams, they’ll likely tell you about the infamous ‘leaving cert nightmares’ they have to this day. This is because the exams are extremely high-pressure and, for the most part, include very few elements of continuous assessment that you will grow accustomed to if you go on to study at college.
Why Choosing the Right Subjects Can Maximise Your CAO Points
Since you will be assessed on your performance in a single exam after two years of study, there is an inherent need to perform on the big day. The exams also play a massive role in determining the trajectory of the years to follow and the options you’ll have at your disposal, you’ll need to do everything in your power to maximise the points that you come out with. Finding the right Leaving Cert subjects to study is not just about taking the easy route; it's about strategically maximising your Central Applications Office (CAO) points. In this article, we’ll take a look at the subjects that will put you in the best position to achieve the grades you need!
When you consider that every secondary school student in the country will be sitting the Leaving Cert exams, it’s no wonder there is so much competition. To put yourself ahead of the pack, it’s important to work not just hard but smart! A significant factor in the grades students receive each year is their choice of subjects. Careful consideration during this phase is crucial, as the wrong decisions may inadvertently limit your future options if you end up studying a subject you aren’t overly interested in or perhaps worse, the average grades in the subject are lower than some alternate options.
The majority of students in Ireland study seven subjects for the Leaving Certificate, comprising the three core subjects of Irish (unless exempt), English, and Mathematics, leaving room for four additional subject choices.
While studying more subjects gives you more cushion room, having other exams to fall back on if one doesn’t go as you had hoped, also gives you a substantial workload to get through that other students may not have. Certain combinations of subjects can be beneficial as they share common material that can lighten your load and give you some time back to your study schedule.
Picking the right subjects can be just as powerful as extra hours of revision. Some subjects naturally lead to higher grades because of their structure, marking schemes, or overlap with others. For instance, pairing maths with applied maths can make studying both subjects more efficient, while combining English and history can strengthen essay skills across two exams. Choosing strategically lets you work smarter, not harder, and opens more options when CAO offers arrive.
For example, subjects such as mathematics, physics, applied mathematics, and biology, along with agricultural science and home economics, can complement each other well. If you are good at one, you will likely find it easier to talk to the others!
| Subject | Approximate H1 Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Russian (Foreign Language) | 65-70% | Very high H1 rate, but small cohort and many fluent students. |
| Applied Mathematics | 40% | High rate for an easier maths option; useful for STEM pathways. |
| Music | 90% (honours rate) | Practical element and performance components boost results. |
| Technology | 16% H1 / 66% H1-H3 | New subject but already showing strong overall honours rates. |
| Art | 61% H1-H3 | Creative and engaging for students with artistic talent. |
| Accounting | High success rates (no exact data) | Consistent strong results; predictable paper aids preparation. |
Opting for higher level subjects will also earn you more CAO points compared to Ordinary Level, so you might want to consider pushing yourself if you need extra points, even if you perceive yourself getting a lower grade.
The Easiest Leaving Cert Subjects for 2025
When it comes to the easiest Leaving Cert subjects, foreign languages, music, and applied maths often top the list. These subjects offer a unique blend of practicality and academic challenge, providing you with an opportunity to showcase your skills and maximise your CAO points.
Foreign Languages: A Gateway to High Grades
Every year, the subjects that produce the most H1 grades are foreign languages. According to the most recent Leaving Cert results (2024), languages like Italian and Russian continue to produce the highest proportions of H1 grades. Around 40% of Italian candidates and over 60% of Russian students achieved top honours, the strongest averages across any subject category.
of students achieved H1-H3 in Russian.
Now, it’s always beneficial to put yourself in a subject that has a high proportion of H1 grades being handed out each year. But in this case, you might want to peel back a layer and ask yourself why that might be. First of all, many of these subjects aren't taken by nearly as many students as the more commonly chosen options, and those who do take the languages are often already fluent before even taking the course.
of students achieved a H1 in Italian.
So, these are essential considerations to keep in mind when selecting your subjects, but if you do have a background in any foreign language, then this is going to be the easiest grade you’ll achieve in the Leaving Cert!
Music: Turning Talent into Top Marks
Moving on to the next subject that students tend to claim is the easiest option available: Music! The most recent figures show that Music remains one of the top-scoring subjects, with nearly nine in ten students achieving honours (H1–H3 range) in 2024. The strong performance trend continues thanks to its practical components and balanced assessment structure.
of Higher-Level Music students achieved honours (H1-H3).
Students also say this is the most enjoyable option. It’s definitely nicer to look at your timetable and see that you’ll be in the music room next, rather than a Maths class! The subject's practical nature and emphasis on artistic expression make it an attractive choice for many students.
Music combines creativity with predictability. Between the practical, listening, and composition sections, up to half the marks are earned before the written exam. Students who already play an instrument or sing can bank strong marks early, reducing stress closer to exam day. Even for beginners, consistent practice and understanding exam rubrics can turn music into one of the most rewarding subjects in the Leaving Cert.
If you are fortunate enough to have already played an instrument or see yourself as a singer, then you are bound to pick up some easy marks in the practical assessment! Find out exactly when is Leaving Cert results day, and put your mind at ease over the summer months!
Applied Maths: Logical Thinking for Easier Points
Okay, this next option doesn't quite have the same appeal as some of the other mentions in this list, especially if numbers aren't your thing.
But to the surprise of many students, it's an option known for its high success rates. Based on the 2024 State Examinations data, approximately 37–40% of students sitting Higher-Level Applied Mathematics achieved an H1, maintaining its reputation as one of the most successful STEM subjects in the Leaving Cert. That means almost half of the students in exam halls across the country got the grade they had set their sights on over the two years. It's a pretty nice statistic to throw yourself into, right?
achieved a H1 in Applied Maths.
If you're thinking about studying maths or engineering in college, it's crucial to think about taking applied mathematics, as it provides insight into mathematical concepts and how they are used in the real world. It will also stand to you in your maths exam, too, almost like killing two birds with one stone, as the saying goes.
Although only a small percentage of students take Applied Maths, it consistently delivers some of the strongest results. The syllabus rewards logical reasoning rather than rote memorisation, and many questions follow predictable formats based on past papers.
Because so few students sit the paper, teachers often have smaller classes, meaning more individual support and feedback.
Another hidden advantage for those aiming for a H1.
Irish: High Marks in Ireland’s Native Language
Given that here in Ireland we are taught our former mother tongue from our earliest years at school, it’s no wonder that the subject is one that students perform well in. In fact, it is a compulsory subject at secondary school and is often considered one of the easiest subjects to excel in. Recent Leaving Cert results (2025) confirm that Irish remains a high-performing subject, with about 11% of students achieving a H1 and a consistently high overall honours rate across higher-level candidates.
of Higher-Level Irish students achieved H1.
A considerable amount of marks can be picked up before you even set foot inside the exam hall if you knuckle down and do well in the oral assessment, which can also take some weight off your shoulders on the big day. So, if you're looking to boost your overall CAO points, this is a great subject to focus on.
Technology: A Modern Subject with Impressive Results
While this next mention is a relatively new addition to the Leaving Cert curriculum, there is less data to back up how students perform in the subject. Nonetheless, it has quickly gained popularity for its engaging and practical nature and even in the few years it's been available, students seem to be performing very well!
Technology continues to show strong results, with early reports suggesting that roughly one in six students achieved a H1 and more than two-thirds earning H1–H3 grades. Impressive outcomes for such a new subject. Even last year saw an average point score of 76, further solidifying Technology as an accessible and rewarding subject choice that will also give you the tools you need for many university courses.
Art: Creativity That Counts
When you imagine how your timetable will look as a Leaving Cert student, you can imagine how much more enjoyable it is to step foot in the art room than a history class. If you are creative, then enjoying the subject often has a massive influence on the hours you put into practising. If you have some drawing talent and a love for expressing yourself through art, choosing Art as a subject could significantly boost your CAO points.
In 2024, around 60% of students achieved H1–H3 grades in Art, sustaining its reputation as an accessible, creative subject that rewards consistent effort and portfolio preparation. With that said, if you struggle to draw basic shapes or stickmen, then you might want to put your time towards another subject on this list to avoid the risk of failing the Leaving Cert.
Subjects like Art and Technology allow students to express themselves while still earning high marks. Continuous project work, design portfolios, and practical assessments mean you’re not relying solely on one final exam.
For students who learn visually or hands-on, creative subjects provide the perfect balance. Proof that academic success doesn’t have to come from books alone.
Accounting: Structured Study, Predictable Success
Accounting has been a subject students have had the option to study for quite some time as part of their Leaving Cert education. Many students will also know whether they have a knack for accountancy by the time they complete their Junior Cert in Business Studies, which examines basic profit-and-loss sheets.
Students continue to perform strongly in Accounting, which maintains one of the highest overall honours rates among business-related subjects in 2025. Its predictable exam format and well-defined question choices allow focused preparation and consistently solid outcomes. You know what sections of the paper you will be attempting before you even sit down in the exam hall. This means you can prioritise your study accordingly and prepare for the quotations that are likely to be asked. If you're looking to avoid the hardest Leaving Cert subjects, then this might be the choice for you!
How to Decide Which Leaving Cert Subjects Are Right for You
Hopefully, now you have an idea of the Leaving Cert subjects you are best suited to and feel you have the best shot at scoring under the current grading system. By taking the average grades that are awarded in each subject each year, you can make a more informed decision as to what subjects are likely to reward you for all of the hard work associated with covering their material.
It’s not always about choosing the “easy” subjects. It’s about choosing the right ones for you. Every student has different strengths, so aim for subjects you enjoy and can realistically score well in. Balancing one or two challenging subjects with several accessible ones helps you stay motivated and reduce burnout. This approach ensures you maximise your CAO points while keeping your options open for college and future careers.
Choosing the right subjects for your Leaving Cert is crucial. Higher-level maths, science, and language subjects can open doors to many career paths. For instance, if you're interested in economics or business, taking higher-level maths and English can be beneficial. These subjects not only help you understand complex concepts but also make you a competitive candidate in the job market.
On the other hand, subjects like biology, geography, chemistry, and physics are essential for careers in science and engineering. Taking honours-level subjects can give you an edge.
It's also vital to consider subjects that are easier to score well in. Subjects like Irish and English, if you have a good grasp of them, can significantly boost your CAO performance. Easy subjects might not seem challenging, but they can be the difference between meeting the requirements for your desired course or not. Many students choose subjects they are good at to maximise their scores.
For instance, if you took business and economics, you might find it easier to grasp concepts in your college course. Similarly, taking subjects like higher-level maths and physics can make engineering courses easier. If your scores don't add up and it looks like an error has been made, you can always appeal your Leaving Cert results.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some subjects require a good amount of work and dedication, but the rate at which you can score points in easier subjects can balance this out. Choose your subjects wisely, keeping in mind your future career path and the CAO score you need. It's about finding a balance between doing what you are good at and what will benefit your future the most.
Throughout this article, we have navigated the strategic nuances of selecting the right options to optimise CAO scores, giving you the best chance of securing a place in any courses you intend to pursue after secondary school.
The importance of embracing subjects that align with your interests and strengths cannot be overstressed, as it is important not only for getting the most out of your results but also for your future educational pursuits.
Choosing Leaving Cert subjects shouldn't just be about chasing "easy" marks, though. You need to set yourself up for success. While the subjects with higher H1 rates often focus on consistency, creativity, and confidence, they mightn't be right for everybody. Play to your strengths and what you want to do in the future.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
