‘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
‘My son is anxious about the Irish orals. How can we help him prepare?’
Immersion in the language is key – as is understanding the structure of the assessment
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
‘My four children are all using AI in various ways in their studies’
Spending hours doing traditional academic work that can be generated by AI in seconds just seems wasteful
‘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
‘I’m in my 50s and would like to learn something new. What options are there?’
Re-engaging with education later in life is about curiosity, confidence and enjoyment
‘I think my daughter would prosper in a more practical degree course’
‘She finds the school environment a little stifling but really enjoys organising events’
‘How does education need to evolve to support children?’: Convention invites public to speak up
Public invited to have their say into how education system needs to evolve
‘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
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
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: Six take-aways from this year’s listings
Deis has improved progression prospects of students in disadvantaged areas but Ireland is still not an equal-opportunity society for children