Ireland - Leaving Cert Business

Leaving Cert Business grinds

Business was redeveloped for students who began fifth year in September 2025. The written exam is shorter and 40% of the grade now comes from an investigative study, so the year needs a plan for both.

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What every programme includes

✓ The 2027 written paper (60%)
✓ Business Alive investigative study (40%)
✓ Enterprise, management and marketing
✓ The economy, government and international business
✓ Applying theory to real businesses
✓ Higher and Ordinary Level

Lesson times in your time zone

Weekdays 3pm-9pm after school · Weekends 8am-8pm, your local time. Pick the slot when you book.

Business from 2027

Students who began fifth year in September 2025 are the first to take the redeveloped course: a 2 hour 30 minute written paper worth 60% (300 marks) and an additional assessment component worth 40%, completed during sixth year and submitted to the State Examinations Commission.

The SEC's sample paper for the new written exam is 2 hours 30 minutes and 300 marks at both Higher and Ordinary Level. The previous format (a 3-hour paper with the Applied Business Question) no longer applies to these students.

The Business Alive investigative study

The additional assessment component is an investigative study based on a common brief: research into a real business issue, analysis and a report. It rewards students who start early and connect theory to evidence. Tutors can teach research and analysis skills and give feedback on plans; the study must be the student's own work.

Where marks are lost

✓ Definitions without an example from a real business
✓ Listing points instead of explaining and evaluating them
✓ Not reading the command word (explain, evaluate, analyse)
✓ Leaving the investigative study until the deadline is close

Higher or Ordinary Level?

Higher Level Business rewards analysis and evaluation in longer answers, with real examples. Students who already write well in English and Economics adapt quickly. As the investigative study carries 40% and is the same task for every student, a strong study gives a solid base for attempting the Higher Level paper.

Leaving Cert Business from 2027

Component	Weight	Format
Written examination	60%	2h30, 300 marks (Higher and Ordinary Level sample papers)
Business Alive investigative study	40%	Common brief; completed in sixth year

First examined June 2027 for students who began fifth year in September 2025.

Sixth year, 2026-27

1
Autumn
Core theory with a real business example for every topic.
2
When the brief is issued
Research plan and evidence for the investigative study.
3
After Christmas
Sample-paper questions focused on command words and evaluation.
4
May
Timed papers and a bank of current business examples.