Students deserve a reformed Leaving Cert that prepares them for the modern world
Plans to introduce more project work would reduce pressure and provide a broader assessment of candidates’ abilities over a longer time
CAO
CAO and Leaving Cert news
My daughter wants to study engineering at college. I’m not sure it’s right for her
A degree in this area opens a vast array of career pathways and is highly valued around the world
Leaving Cert students may face single English exam, with project in fifth year
New plans aimed at easing stress facing students in the traditional high stakes written exams
‘We need extra time now’: Students with additional needs call for State exam changes
Many neurodiverse pupils are high achievers, but the education assessment system can present them with unique challenges
‘Some people just laugh’: Meet the students on Ireland’s first influencer degree
Despite eye-rolling over a college course for wannabe social media stars, infuencing is a serious business valued at around $250 billion
I’m not sure my son will be organised enough to meet upcoming CAO deadlines. Can you help?
There is no great urgency in selecting courses, but it is very important to read up on all-important instructions
Third-level open days: Questions Leaving Cert 2025 students should ask
Open Day visits provide prospective students with a valuable opportunity to investigate third-level facilities
Finding the perfect fit: What type of third level would best suit me?
There are multiple types of third-level institutions to be considered, but how do they differ?
Open days at technological universities and other higher education institutions: everything you need to know
Key details about 2024-2025 open days for National College of Ireland, St Patrick’s University, IADT, NCAD, Munster Technological University and more
‘Early mornings worked best. I was at my desk at 4.30am’: How I got 9H1s in the Leaving Cert
Robin Caren, who secured top grades in all nine of her end-of-school exams, shares the secrets of her success
A super-charged technology threatens to destroy the integrity of the Leaving Cert
Additional assessment components worth 40% are being introduced at a time when AI tools are developing rapidly and relentlessly
My daughter wants to study nursing but I worry that CAO points are too high. Are there other options?
For well-motivated Leaving Cert students, there are several alternative entry pathways into nursing
My son in thinking of going to college abroad due to high CAO points at home. Is this wise?
Courses can be demanding but are an excellent pathway for a student to study their dream course
New college places for medicine, dentistry and other high-points courses
Galway and Limerick universities to offer medicine courses next year to ease CAO points pressure
Why do so few students from Northern Ireland attend college in the South?
A-level conversion rates, the career guidance culture and cost of living are among reasons why just 1% of CAO applicants are from the North
Will CAO points fall next year due to reduction in Leaving Cert grade inflation?
Supply and demand of places, as well as applicants’ grades, determine CAO entry points for individual courses
One in five Leaving Cert results upgraded after rechecks
Thirty-one students who did not appeal results get upgrades following quality assurance checks
Higher Options opens to 30,000 school students
European and UK universities seeking to attract Irish college applicants amid rising rental costs at home
Career path: How to build a career in the construction industry
With so many educational options available to school-leavers, we looked at the different entry routes in one key sector in the Irish economy
‘I scowled, grew up and, ultimately, found out that they were right’
How we did it: From landing their first job to finding purpose in their careers, we spoke to three graduates to see how they navigated life after college.
How to use your time at Higher Options
Higher Options offers students the opportunity to attend talks or talk directly with representatives of third level institutions
Help your child to identify their interests and passions
What parents need to know about the course selection process and how to support your children when choosing their next steps
What can you do when there’s never been so much choice?
There have never been so many courses, so many options for college and life
One of best-kept secrets for access to college is a new route that does not require CAO points
One of best-kept secrets for access to third level is a new route that does not require Leaving Cert points
Two new veterinary colleges to almost double number of such graduates each year
New places at South East Technological University and Atlantic Technological University may ease CAO pressure
My daughter wants to drop to ordinary level Irish so she can focus on a top grade in other subjects. Should she?
It is common for students to be strategic in order to target high CAO points, but it is a misguided approach
Leaving Cert students to get up to 50% of marks by creating video in new subject
Drama and film studies to be introduced to schools on ‘phased basis’ from 2025 onwards
Dentists seek cap on course places for overseas students to ease CAO points for Irish school leavers
Up to half of places on dental sciences courses are set aside for international trainees who pay €45,000 per year
Have your say: Did the CAO work for you?
Following criticisms from secondary school principals we would like to hear your views on the Central Applications Office system
CAO is a ‘cruel lottery’: Is there a fairer system?
There are alternative college admission models, such as university entrance exams and interviews, but none is perfect
‘Crude and unfair’ CAO system must change, say school principals
A narrow approach to measuring students’ aptitudes may contribute to high dropout rates
Rising student dropout rates may be linked to high rents and commuting, university chief warns
University of Galway president says top students may end up going overseas
‘I just feel hard done by’: Another Leaving Cert student on top points loses out on college course due to lottery
North Dublin student asks Minister to expand places for students affected by random selection
I narrowly missed out on my first-choice CAO course. Is there another route to university?
There are still options to secure the course of your dreams – even if you didn’t get a CAO offer
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Election 2024
Full general election coverage including analysis and results for all 43 constituencies
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