The High Court has begun hearing a challenge to the exclusion of a home schooled Leaving Certificate student from this year's Calculated Grades process.
The case is being taken by 18-year-old Mayo student Elijah Burke, who has been taught at home by his mother. Under the Calculated Grades process, teachers provide estimated marks for students.
However, marks are not accepted from teachers who are close relatives of a student. Elijah argues that his exclusion is a breach of his constitutional rights.
The court heard that Elijah is a demonstrably gifted student who has won debating and music competitions, and hopes to study Biomedical Science of History and Music at NUIG.