Where CAO points are likely to settle in 2026 Ask Brian: Gradual reduction in grade enhancement begun this year will continue for the next four or five yearsMon Dec 08 2025 - 06:01
Education matters: ‘My son is overwhelmed by college and is considering dropping out’Ask Brian: Combination of new environment and a course that does not fit can leave even the most capable young people adriftTue Dec 02 2025 - 06:01
Nursing and midwifery offer careers for those with aptitude, curiosity and compassionA degree in nursing or midwifery is a foundation for lifelong learning, with job opportunities across diverse settingsTue Nov 25 2025 - 06:01
‘What funding support is available if I secure a place in university?’Budget changes to Susi funding include an increase in income threshold for the €500 student contribution grantTue Nov 18 2025 - 06:01
Should I consider allowing my child to study abroad?About 90% of programmes in the Netherlands do not have a selection procedure and require only minimum entry requirementsTue Nov 11 2025 - 06:01
Leaving Cert 2026: What do grading changes mean for students?Points required for competitive courses are likely to remain high despite overall drop in gradesWed Nov 05 2025 - 15:21
CAO applications: How can I help my son complete the process properly? Any correspondence from the Central Applications Office must be dealt with promptly Tue Nov 04 2025 - 06:01
‘We are considering encouraging our son to skip transition year’Ask Brian: This programme shakes up the traditional, formal education system and introduces students to new ways of learningTue Oct 28 2025 - 06:01
‘I was horrified that any parent would give a nine-year-old a smartphone’Ask Brian: More than a quarter of primary schoolchildren and a third of secondary school students are now using artificial intelligence Tue Oct 21 2025 - 06:01
What to focus on at college open daysKey to moving to higher or further education is to concentrate on curriculum content, college facilities and accommodation or public transportTue Oct 14 2025 - 06:01
My daughter got her top CAO choice after a recheck. I’m not sure she should take itThere are financial implications parents should be aware of in these circumstancesSun Oct 12 2025 - 09:34
My son plans to drop higher-level Irish for the Leaving Cert. Is this a good idea?Many students mistakenly believe they can score more CAO points by dropping ‘difficult’ subjects Sun Oct 05 2025 - 09:14
I’m a second-level teacher but want to be a guidance counsellor. Is this possible?Postgraduate course are an option in what is a demanding career where stresses among teens are on the riseSun Sept 28 2025 - 09:25
New primary school curriculum includes emphasis on language skills and Stem subjectsUpdated specifications include fresh guidance on arts, social and environmental and health learningMon Sept 22 2025 - 00:01
How will Hpat changes affect my chances of securing medicine?Reforms come into effect in 2027 which look set to raise CAO entry pointsSun Sept 21 2025 - 09:15
Is it too late to apply for a college grant? Thousands of students with household incomes of up to €100,000 are missing out on college grants Sun Sept 14 2025 - 09:27
Higher Options Expo can help you map your career pathHigher Options will have many people to help you decide what to pursue after the Leaving CertWed Sept 10 2025 - 06:01
CAO: Reprieve for some students who lost out on favoured courseSome applicants have been offered preferred courses after initially losing out on random selectionTue Sept 09 2025 - 06:30
My Leaving Cert daughter cannot decide what she wants to study. Can you help?An education expert says: There is no rush - she has until the end of June to finalise her choices in most casesSun Sept 07 2025 - 09:08
I missed out on my first choice in Trinity. Will CAO points drop in round two?Entry points tend not to drop for very high-demand courses, but there are alternative pathwaysSun Aug 31 2025 - 09:08
CAO helpdesk: The key questions students had after this week’s college offersWe answered a variety of questions as grade deflation kicked in for the 2025 Leaving Cert classFri Aug 29 2025 - 13:41
CAO points 2025: Which courses were up or down in requirements?Random selection for some courses applies again, but some universities have increased places to try to meet demandThu Aug 28 2025 - 06:01
CAO offers 2025: Waiting on an offer? Here’s how to respond to itWhether you want to accept or defer, take time to think clearly and do your research before you actWed Aug 27 2025 - 17:38
CAO offers and third level education: Key dates for next stepsThe dates for third level education next steps after Leaving Cert results dayWed Aug 27 2025 - 16:42
Why CAO points rose for many courses, and other key takeaways from this year’s processWill the Leaving Cert class of 2025 challenge the reduced enhancement process, and is the Dare scheme fit for purpose?Wed Aug 27 2025 - 15:22
It’s not too late to apply for one of the many tertiary degrees on offer in IrelandA pathway for applicants of all ages and backgrounds to achieve the degree of their dreams Wed Aug 27 2025 - 06:01
CAO points requirements see ‘volatile’ change for majority of courses at several collegesAll UCD programmes surpass 400 points, while more than 89,000 lodge CAO applications this year Wed Aug 27 2025 - 06:00
Why are so many students and parents oblivious to the opportunities in the Further Education system?There’s a big rise in school leavers choosing Further Education and Training courses and apprenticeships as a first destination after the Leaving CertTue Aug 26 2025 - 17:01
What is an apprenticeship - and what are the benefits?A student is not contracted to an employer and is not paid, whereas an apprentice is, but a student has more time to socialise and join clubsMon Aug 25 2025 - 06:01
Beyond Leaving Cert results: From CAO offers to further education, what are the next steps? Leaving Cert students are about to discover the fruits of their labourFri Aug 22 2025 - 06:01
Leaving Cert results day 2025: How grades will mark a gradual return to pre-Covid-19 normsLeaving Cert students to receive results after six uniquely challenging yearsFri Aug 22 2025 - 06:01
What impact will 2025 Leaving Cert results have on the CAO? Leaving Cert grades still subject to an ongoing distorting effectFri Aug 22 2025 - 06:01
Leaving Cert grades for 2025 will drop back by average of just over 1% on 2024 results2025 Leaving Cert results will be available on Candidate Self Service Portal on State Examinations Commission portalFri Aug 22 2025 - 06:01
Five key takeaways from 2025 Leaving Cert: Fewer enhanced grades and the low level of IrishClass of 2025 is largest group to sit the Leaving Cert for the first time - which may impact CAOFri Aug 22 2025 - 06:00
Key dates for the 2025 Leaving Cert class to knowAll you need to know about available places, viewing scripts and much more Thu Aug 21 2025 - 06:00
Leaving Cert results: Will 2025 students be badly disadvantaged by grade deflation?Some 28% of CAO applicants this year are deferral students who received ‘bumper’ gradesWed Aug 20 2025 - 11:00
‘Check your spam’: Six things to know ahead of CAO deadline dayNo CAO applicant should allow the 1st July deadline to pass without reviewing their course choicesFri Jun 27 2025 - 18:00
Brian Mooney’s Leaving Cert survival guide: Get seated 30 minutes before the exam – and don’t wear a smartwatchThere is no need for parents to overhype the importance of the exams – students put themselves under enough pressure as it isMon Jun 02 2025 - 14:41
The class of 2025 will pay the price of reversing Leaving Cert grade inflation. Is there a fairer approach?A candidate who secured 550 points last year can expect to get about 538 points in the 2025 exams due to efforts to gradually return exam results to pre-Covid levelsTue May 27 2025 - 06:00
‘I worry that my anxious son will buckle under pressure during the Leaving Cert’ Simple steps can help students navigate stress and promote greater resilience Sun May 25 2025 - 09:13
Decision time nears for final CAO course selection – here’s what you need to know Final list of course choices must be submitted to the CAO by 5pm on July 1st Tue May 20 2025 - 06:00
Everything you need to know about the CAO change-of-mind deadlineYou can still revise your CAO application before the July 1st deadline – here’s what to considerTue May 20 2025 - 05:00
Beyond the CAO: Exploring the bright pathways of further education and apprenticeshipsFor many students, the combination of small class sizes, hands-on projects and local work placements makes further education courses a strong choiceTue May 20 2025 - 05:00
CAO 2025 calendar: Important dates for college applicationsTimeline for this year’s college application process Tue May 20 2025 - 04:00
Does my daughter need a postgrad to get a decent job in engineering?Degrees with integrated work placements help students can gain essential industry skills and personal attributes which employers look for Sun May 18 2025 - 09:12
My son wants to be a pilot. Is there any way of learning without breaking the bank?It is very expensive, but joining the Air Corps can provide a route into civilian aviationSun May 11 2025 - 09:08
Will CAO points drop due to efforts to tackle grade inflation this year? Why students on bumper grades from recent years will have an advantage in race for college placesSun May 04 2025 - 09:21
Q&A: Could my son really lose a college offer if his CAO details are incorrect?Many students are left devastated each year due to errors or omissions in their applicationsSun Apr 27 2025 - 09:36
My son wants to study sustainability but has no idea what course to choose. Can you help?There are lots to choose from at university, with new options well worth consideringSun Apr 20 2025 - 09:12
My son is struggling with his college course. Should he drop out ahead of his final year?There are lots of options – but some can carry a heavy financial costSun Apr 13 2025 - 09:15
