All third year students are to be awarded a certificate for the completion of the Junior Cycle by the Department of Education.
Schools will be given autonomy to assess students, and they'll receive a written school report on their achievements in each subject.
Education Minister Joe McHugh says the decision gives students and their families more clarity and certainty.
Minister McHugh says it also gives schools freedom to decide how best to assess the progress of students following three years of hard work and learning.
