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?
CAO
CAO and Leaving Cert news
‘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
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
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
‘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
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
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