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 04 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 07 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 03 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 03 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 03 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 05 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
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 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
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 08 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 01 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 Sept 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 Sept 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 Sept 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 Sept 09 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 Sept 03 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
How to collect your Leaving Cert resultsThe 2019 results are out a day earlier than in previous years and students can choose how to collect themTue Aug 13 2019 - 06:58
