The Leaving Cert is set to be cancelled and replaced with predictive grades.
A memo is set to go before Cabinet ministers tomorrow for approval.
Work has gone on behind the scenes to prepare an alternative to the Leaving Cert and a plan is being finalised.
Under the plans it's likely a system of predictive grades will be given to students in place of physical exams.
It's thought students who are not happy with the grades given will have the chance to sit a written exam - but that may not be available until very late this year or into 2021.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said students, parents and teachers will have clarity by the end of this week.
