Will I lose my saved data on course choices under changes to Qualifax?Ask Brian: Users’ accounts will be deleted soon – but it is possible to protect your dataTue Mar 3 2020 - 00:00
I want to go back to college. Do I qualify for any grants or financial supports?Ask Brian: There are a range of funding schemes available for mature studentsTue Feb 25 2020 - 00:00
My son has a disability. Will he get reduced CAO points for his course?Ask Brian: There is a common misconception around how admission rules for school-leavers with disabilities operatesTue Feb 18 2020 - 00:00
My son says he’s got a college place and is now slacking off. Can this be true?Ask Brian: Most EU colleges offer places based on meeting minimum requirementsTue Feb 11 2020 - 00:00
My eldest child started secondary recently. Could you explain the Junior Cycle changes?Ask Brian: The reforms are built around eight key skills deemed crucial to prepare young people for the modern worldTue Feb 4 2020 - 00:00
My son still has no idea what course he wants. Should he still apply to the CAO?Ask Brian: College one of a range of options – and by no means the only oneTue Jan 28 2020 - 00:00
Can I use the Trinity matriculation exam for CAO points?Ask Brian: TCD hosts two matriculation exams in April in geology and biblical studiesTue Jan 21 2020 - 00:00
CAO countdown: Last-minute tips before the college applicationLooming deadline for discounted online registration expires on Monday at 5.15pmMon Jan 20 2020 - 00:01
CAO Countdown: Focus on your interests, not high-point coursesIt is wrong to view third-level options totally through prism of points requirementsFri Jan 17 2020 - 01:00
CAO countdown: Can you afford to go to college? Here’s what it costsMake sure to do your financial calculations before choosing a courseThu Jan 16 2020 - 01:00
How CAO applications are processedA reduction in the artificially inflated range of choices would lead to lower drop-out ratesTue Jan 14 2020 - 00:00
My daughter has to register with the CAO but doesn’t know what to studyNo need to panic - there is plenty of time to decide exactly what you want to doTue Jan 14 2020 - 00:00
Key dates for 2020 CAO applicationsTimeline for this year’s college application processTue Jan 14 2020 - 00:00
CAO Countdown: What to consider when selecting the next move after the Leaving CertCan you put the facts about yourself together to see what picture may emerge?Tue Jan 14 2020 - 00:00
CAO Countdown: Six steps to applying for college in 2020College application process can seem intimidating and complex – here’s how to do itTue Jan 14 2020 - 00:00
CAO countdown: The dos and donts of supporting your child’s course choicesParents’ perception of the education options for their children are often outdatedMon Jan 13 2020 - 00:01
I’m 35 and feel ready to start a new career. Where should I start?Ask Brian: Reflect on what you think are your key strengths and competenciesTue Jan 7 2020 - 00:00
What changes could improve education in 2020?Ask Brian: For a change, here’s my wish list for the education sector in the coming yearMon Dec 23 2019 - 00:00
Ask Brian: My son is struggling with primary school maths. How can I help?There are some new online resources available linked to the curriculumTue Dec 17 2019 - 00:00
I teach in a Catholic primary school but I’m not a believer. Must I teach the sacraments?Ask Brian: This is a dilemma shared by many teachers because faith formation is part of the school day in most schoolsTue Dec 10 2019 - 00:00
Feeder schools: Six take-aways from this year’s figuresGrind schools may be drawing students away from some fee-paying secondary schoolsTue Dec 3 2019 - 01:00
Feeder Schools: Ironing out statistical quirksHow is it mathematically possible for schools to show a progression rate of more than 100%?Tue Dec 3 2019 - 00:00
My daughter’s school doesn’t offer transition year. Why not?Ask Brian: Some schools still seem to think TY does not fully engage pupilsTue Dec 3 2019 - 00:00
My son has dyspraxia. How can I ensure he’s supported in school?Ask Brian: Sharing personal data on children has become more complex due to GDPRTue Nov 26 2019 - 00:00
My son stays up late on his phone and is missing school. What can I do?Ask Brian: Secure family and school supports and prepare to take away treatsTue Nov 19 2019 - 00:00
Why are so many Leaving Cert students being upgraded?Ask Brian: Clerical errors can often be to blame – but there may also be a hidden factorTue Nov 12 2019 - 00:00
Does new core status for history in Junior Cycle mean other subjects will lose out?Much depends on how much teaching time is allocated to history under new changesTue Nov 5 2019 - 00:00
My daughter wants to drop out of college. Will it cost more to start a new course?Ask Brian: Repeat students who leave courses after October 31st pay a penaltyTue Oct 29 2019 - 00:00
Is it difficult to secure a college place in Ireland from abroad?Ask Brian: Students from other jurisdictions can apply through the CAO systemTue Oct 22 2019 - 00:00
Planning on attending an open day? Do your homework firstOpen days give you a great chance to gauge how good a fit your course and college choice will beTue Oct 15 2019 - 09:13
My son wants to go to a Dutch university. I’m worried he’s too young.Ask Brian: Courses abroad can pose a major challenge for ‘spoon-fed’ studentsTue Oct 15 2019 - 00:00
Ten things you need to know about college open daysPreparation can help you take full advantage of open day opportunitiesTue Oct 15 2019 - 00:00
My son is dyslexic. Does he qualify for reduced CAO points?Ask Brian: Dare scheme assists college applicants with disabilities - but entry points depend on individual coursesTue Oct 8 2019 - 00:00
My daughter missed out on college and is down in the dumps. What next?Ask Brian: Students should only apply for courses they are fully committed toTue Oct 1 2019 - 00:00
I go to school in the North. Can I apply to the CAO?Ask Brian: Entry is based on a candidate’s scores for their best four subjectsTue Sep 24 2019 - 00:00
I’m drawn to teaching, but some say it’s not lucrative. Can you offer any advice?Ask Brian: Love of learning is essential to a sustainable career in teachingTue Sep 17 2019 - 00:00
My son says he can’t appeal his Leaving Cert exam result. Can this really be true?Ask Brian: Marks for practical elements of some exams cannot be appealedTue Sep 10 2019 - 00:00
Higher Options: Prepare in advance and use your time wiselyThe value of the expo to school-leavers depends entirely on their level of preparation ahead of the RDS eventMon Sep 9 2019 - 00:00
I’m dyslexic. Will I be able to cope in college?Ask Brian: Students with additional learning needs can get specialist support at third levelTue Sep 3 2019 - 00:00
‘I’m a working parent and this year the cost of school is crippling’Ask Brian: Capacity of the State to order schools to reduce costs is questionableTue Aug 27 2019 - 00:00
Alternative career routes boost options for school-leaversPractical, hands-on courses offer career progression and skills enhancement outside the traditional CAO systemSat Aug 17 2019 - 19:00
CAO 2019: Adventure into adult life begins after eventful and emotional daysDisappointed? There are plenty of options for students who did not get preferred courseSat Aug 17 2019 - 01:11
CAO 2019: Seven take-aways from this year’s college offersBrexit uncertainty, the growing economy and higher grades evident in CAO pointsThu Aug 15 2019 - 19:40
CAO 2019: What to do if you didn’t receive the offer you wanted?It is worth taking time to think about your options as there is no one route into a careerThu Aug 15 2019 - 00:00
CAO first round: So, you have a course offer – what now?Weighing the options: there are three possible scenarios when you log into your CAO fileThu Aug 15 2019 - 00:00
CAO 2019: Think before hitting the ‘accept’ tab for unexpected offerMost students who drop out during first year do so due to lack of interest in the courseWed Aug 14 2019 - 18:19
Everything you need to know about the CAO process in 2019Thousands of prospective students who applied for third-level courses will receive offers this weekWed Aug 14 2019 - 07:43
Leaving Cert 2019: Disappointed? You have plenty of optionsAct quickly if you want to appeal a grade or sit a special second-chance maths examTue Aug 13 2019 - 18:58
Six take-away points from this year’s Leaving Cert resultsSteady increase in numbers taking higher level papersTue Aug 13 2019 - 09:02
What to do if you’re unhappy with your Leaving Cert gradesCheck your scripts if you think you should have received a better gradeTue Aug 13 2019 - 07:03