Classroom to College: When it comes to education, we all have different targets and priorities
We will be running a series of interviews with Leaving Cert students and their parents before, during and after the exams
CAO
CAO and Leaving Cert news
Leaving Cert 2026: Tell us about how preparations are going and how you are feeling
There is so much to prepare for, and plenty to digest in the aftermath, too – if you can imagine a world where this is actually over!
‘Could my son lose a college offer if CAO details incorrect?’
Parents should ensure that the correct Leaving Cert number is recorded when the Central Applications Office email arrives
Final countdown: Exam survival guide for Junior and Leaving Cert students (and parents)
It is normal for students to feel stressed coming up to the written papers. Here are some simple tips that can help you to dial down the anxiety
What can students from Deis schools learn from business mentors?
Mentoring at Deis schools for fifth and sixth years aims to inspire, motivate and give confidence to young people
‘I didn’t know anybody who had gone on to college and barely knew anybody who had a Leaving Cert‘
‘Our learners are as smart as people in mainstream education; they just needed the chance’
Housing can be a hidden admissions officer for students - quiet, powerful and unaccountable
Denmark’s social housing model shows how government initiatives can build sustainable and affordable housing for mixed communities
‘My dyslexic son refuses to engage with school support services. Should I force the issue?’
Accepted Dare applicants receive the support of the university disability services throughout their college years
Ten years of Leaving Cert politics and society: ‘Taking turns rowing the lifeboat’
The subject gives students an opportunity to be active participants in discussion and start developing their citizenship
‘My son has an Irish language exemption. Is there anything we need to do?’
National University of Ireland communicates exemption data to the Central Applications Office, which will add it to an application
Classroom to College: Here’s something to take on board
What’s it like to be a student at one of Ireland’s most expensive schools?
‘I think my daughter would be suited to a job with a strong hands-on element or apprenticeship’
A three‑year OEM engineering apprenticeship opens doors internationally and provides access to further study in higher education
How to stay cool, calm and collected for your Leaving Cert language oral
With language orals, there is a lot of information to remember before you even greet the examiner
Broaden arts and humanities degrees to encompass vocational subjects
Freeing students from having to choose one discipline over the other will benefit them and society
Fifty years of the CAO: adapting to meet changing needs of students and institutions
The CAO has stood the test of time, providing a transparent, trustworthy, fair and efficient service for students
Number of CAO applicants hoping to study veterinary medicine almost triples
Arts degrees at Trinity College Dublin see 6.5 per cent increase in applications
The traditional arts degree has had its day. It needs to be reinvented, not dumped
A narrow definition of value has crept into the debate about the worth of third-level courses
‘Are there paths into careers in technology other than through the university route?’
As tech evolves at an unprecedented pace, employers increasingly value what you can do today and how quickly you can learn
University of Galway plans to end and replace arts course amid fall-off in interest
‘Urgent’ reform aims to meet changing needs of students as they seek ‘direct routes to employment’
How to make the most of the months before the Leaving Cert
Here are some important dates in the CAO calendar in the next few months - along with important links, reminders and information about fees.
How students who scored more than 600 points approached the months before the Leaving Cert
From YouTube videos to whiteboards, last year’s Leaving Cert students share advice for making the most of the final stretch
‘The Leaving Cert mocks were a wake-up call for my son’
For a student who has focused more on sport than study, realising they are not match fit in an academic sense can be sobering
Post-Leaving Certificate courses play growing role as routes to work and higher education
Exploring PLC options is now considerably more straightforward in Co Dublin, thanks to a clearer, unified application system
Making the most of (and surviving) the Leaving Cert mock exams
Time for parents to provide reassurance and acknowledge work the child has done
What are the key factors to be aware of when filling out a CAO application form?
Every year some students miss out on round-one offers due to errors, omissions or failure to spot an important message
Here’s a study guide for the final months before the Leaving Cert exams
We got expert tips from two of Ireland’s leading study websites and their learning experts
Forget the CAO: Here are some alternatives to college
Apprenticeships, traineeships and PLCs provide alternative routes to exciting, well-paid careers
College Choice: Essential reading for Leaving Certificate students
We hope there’s something for every Leaving Cert student (and parent!) in today’s College Choice guide in The Irish Times
What should you be thinking about when deciding on a third-level college?
Students should think beyond their course choices towards career options, experts advise
Key dates for 2026 CAO applications: from early-bird applications to Leaving Cert appeals
Here is every important date in the CAO calendar along with important links, reminders and information about fees
Six things you need to consider before making your third-level and further education choices
CAO applicants for 2026 will need to register before February 1st at 5pm
‘My daughter, along with most of her classmates, seem laser-focused on going to UCD or Trinity’
She could sit down with her guidance counsellor in school and explore how her interests and learning style align with the available options
Feeder Schools 2025: What you need to know about latest data for Irish schools
Data is compiled from State Examinations Commission Leaving Cert sits list and lists provided by higher education institutions
Third-level progression rates: Why do some schools score more than 100%?
It seems mathematically impossible, but the percentage number accounts for several different elements
‘My son has no idea what he wants to do after college, so how real is the CAO cut-off point?’
The February 1st initial deadline is in many ways an administrative carryover from a bygone era
Education matters: Places on medical and paramedical degrees in Ulster University
Ask Brian: There are places open to Republic of Ireland students, but applications must be submitted to UCAS by January 14th
Which CAO programmes must be listed due to portfolio, interview or performance criteria?
Ask Brian: All you need to know about the restricted application courses for 2026
‘My son is considering a trade or apprenticeship option, but should he make a CAO application too?’
Ask Brian: Now is the peak season for conversations among sixth years about their next steps
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 years
Leaving Cert 2026: What do grading changes mean for students?
Points required for competitive courses are likely to remain high despite overall drop in grades
CAO applications: How can I help my son complete the process properly?
Any correspondence from the Central Applications Office must be dealt with promptly
My daughter got her top CAO choice after a recheck. I’m not sure she should take it
There are financial implications parents should be aware of in these circumstances
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
How will Hpat changes affect my chances of securing medicine?
Reforms come into effect in 2027 which look set to raise CAO entry points
Have we finally reached peak CAO points pressure?
A host of high-points courses such as dentistry, veterinary and pharmacy are set to be expanded
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
Higher Options Expo can help you map your career path
Higher Options will have many people to help you decide what to pursue after the Leaving Cert
Going to third level a big step for students with additional needs, but there are supports
Practical and financial help and guidance are available for students with a disability or other additional needs
Don’t miss these speakers at Higher Options 2025
From Abigail Ruth Freeman on science and IT to Artur Banaszkiewicz on studying in Poland, there are many to choose from, so plan ahead
How to make the most of your time at Higher Options
There’s a right and a not-so-right way to approach your visit to the RDS
Why fifth and sixth year students need to know what Higher Options is
Higher Options, Ireland’s largest education expo, is back in Dublin from Wednesday to Friday, September 17th to 19th.
CAO: Reprieve for some students who lost out on favoured course
Some applicants have been offered preferred courses after initially losing out on random selection
Your questions answered: but first, is the Higher Options event for you?
For those considering further and higher education, the expo has information that could shape the path ahead
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Stardust
Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Family NoticesOpens in new window
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices