Leaving Cert Maths: Higher or Ordinary Level?
Quick answer: At Higher Level, Leaving Cert maths earns 25 bonus points for a grade H6 or above, on top of the normal points. That makes an H6 worth 71 points, compared with 46 for an O2. An H7 earns 37 points with no bonus, the same as an O3. So staying at Higher Level usually pays off if you're likely to get H6 or better, and it's roughly neutral around H7. Many courses also need a minimum of O6/H7 in maths, so failing to reach H7 at Higher Level carries real risk.
The points, side by side
The Leaving Cert points scale (in use since 2017) is (Maynooth University):
Grade 1: H1 = 100 points · O1 = 56 points
Grade 2: H2 = 88 points · O2 = 46 points
Grade 3: H3 = 77 points · O3 = 37 points
Grade 4: H4 = 66 points · O4 = 28 points
Grade 5: H5 = 56 points · O5 = 20 points
Grade 6: H6 = 46 points · O6 = 12 points
Grade 7: H7 = 37 points · O7 = 0 points
Grade 8: H8 = 0 points · O8 = 0 points
The 25 bonus points
"25 bonus points are added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher." The bonus only counts if maths is one of your best six subjects once the bonus is added (Maynooth University).
With the bonus, Higher Level maths is worth:
H1: 125 points
H2: 113 points
H3: 102 points
H4: 91 points
H5: 81 points
H6: 71 points
H7: 37 points (no bonus)
Where the decision really sits
Compare the grade you'd realistically get at each level:
H5 (81) vs O1 (56): Higher wins by 25 points.
H6 (71) vs O2 (46): Higher wins by 25 points.
H6 (71) vs O1 (56): Higher still wins, by 15 points.
H7 (37) vs O3 (37): exactly level.
H7 (37) vs O2 (46): Ordinary wins by 9 points.
H8 (0) vs O4 (28): Ordinary wins by 28 points, and an H8 doesn't meet the H7 minimum many courses need.
So the honest summary is:
If you're reliably at H6 or above in mocks and tests, staying at Higher is almost always worth it.
If you're hovering between H6 and H7, the bonus is a big prize, but the downside is real. Talk to your teacher about your recent marks.
If you're consistently at H8, dropping to Ordinary protects the maths minimum and usually gains points.
These comparisons assume maths counts in your best six. If it doesn't, the bonus doesn't apply.
Minimum entry requirements
Points aren't the only thing. The general matriculation rule at Maynooth includes "four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7" (Maynooth University). Many courses also list a specific maths grade.
An O6 or H7 in maths meets the basic maths requirement for many courses.
An H8 does not.
Foundation Level maths can count toward the six subjects at F6 or higher, but it "does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement", and it earns no points.
Requirements differ by course. Always check the entry requirements on CAO and the college's own course page.
A quick self-check before deciding
Answer these honestly, using your last few test results rather than one bad paper:
What grade am I actually averaging at Higher Level?
Does my target course need a specific Higher Level grade in maths?
Will maths be in my best six subjects?
How much time is Higher Level maths taking from my other subjects?
Is a bad result down to gaps I can fix (for example algebra or calculus) or the pace of the course?
If question 5 points to fixable gaps, it may be worth targeted work before dropping down.
This checklist is MMS editorial guidance. Your maths teacher knows your work best.
Common mistakes
Dropping after one bad test. Look at the trend, not a single result.
Forgetting the best-six rule. The bonus only counts if maths makes your top six.
Ignoring course minimums. An H8 can cost more than points if a course needs H7/O6.
Thinking Foundation is a safe option for every course. It doesn't meet the maths requirement for many degrees.
When extra support might help
Support is worth considering when a student is close to the H6 line, when gaps in algebra or calculus are pulling marks down, or when a student wants a plan for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
A grind can't guarantee a grade, but it can target the topics that cost the most marks. Math Make Smart offers online maths grinds and Leaving Cert support, and you can book a free grind. For more, see our CAO points guide and our Paper 1 vs Paper 2 guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many bonus points do you get for Higher Level maths?
25, for a grade H6 or above, if maths is in your best six subjects.
Is an H7 better than an O3?
They're worth the same: 37 points.
What is the minimum maths grade for most courses?
Many courses need at least O6 or H7. Some set a higher grade, so check each course.
Does Foundation Level maths earn CAO points?
No.