Classroom to College

Sign up to Classroom to College newsletter from The Irish Times. The essential newsletter to navigating the Leaving Cert for parents, guardians and students

What to consider when deciding on a postgraduate course in Ireland or abroad

From PhDs to master’s, research programmes or taught: we look at the types of courses available and where you can source further information

‘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 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.

‘Take school dinners’ before cutting SNAs, parents and teachers tell Government

Parents of children who rely on the support of SNAs are fearful of losing this vital resource

Apprenticeships have changed, but people’s opinions have not

Nine out of 10 employers consider ‘serving your time’ as a valuable way to train and develop staff, notes State research

How students who scored more than 600 points approached the Leaving Cert

From YouTube videos to whiteboards, last year’s Leaving Cert students share advice for making the most of the final stretch

‘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’

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

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

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: How graduates of Irish second-level schools are progressing to third-level institutions

Pick up our supplement with The Irish Times today to find out everything you need to know

How do I choose the right secondary school for my child?

Apart from feeder schools lists, what else should parents and guardians consider?

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

Teaching has become an increasingly lonely profession

In my past life, which included a stint as a private detective, there was time for a chat and a joke with a colleague. Not any more

As the presidential election comes into view, it’s important young people pay attention

Politics is boring. That is, unless you care about education, climate change, healthcare, housing, jobs or many other issues.

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

‘Devastating’ budget: Students say €500 cut in college fees is an ‘effective increase’

Over 1,000 new places in medicine, nursing and other healthcare courses will be provided under €5bn allocation to education

Ireland’s maths gender gap: why boys are getting twice as many top grades

Single-sex school and a lack of confidence are key issues - but new training methods and awareness of systemic barriers suggest change is coming

Leaving Certificate: ‘Substantial increase’ in number of appeals lodged by students

This year’s candidates experienced a lowering of grade inflation as part of a gradual phasing-out of Covid-era measure

The graduate guide to surviving workplace bullies: All you need to know

So how do you tackle a toxic co-worker – or worse again, a contrary boss?

Should I do a postgraduate degree?

Education is never wasted, and a higher degree qualification can also be valuable to a graduate’s career

Dublin college increases fees in on-campus student accommodation in RPZ loophole

Residential Tenancies Board says an increase in service charges is permissible under rental laws

Do you suffer from FOCO, a fear of causing offence? Here’s some advice

Unthinkable: Parents may be partly to blame for heightened anxiety among under-30s

Is it too late to apply for a college grant?

Thousands of students with household incomes of up to €100,000 are missing out on college grants

Why do parents still view a trade as a consolation career prize for their kids?

I worry about my daughter. Our education system is preparing students for a world that may disappear

‘Nowhere to live’: Ireland’s student accommodation crisis is only getting worse

Students face a dearth of on-campus beds, hours-long commutes, couch-surfing and a scrap for rooms in an already overheated private rental market. There is no quick fix

Higher Options Expo can help you map your career path

Higher Options will have many people to help you decide what to pursue after the Leaving Cert

Student accommodation crisis: ‘My commute takes two hours if there are no train delays’

Two-thirds of those surveyed, aged 18-24, believe they would be better off in other countries

Going to third level a big step for students with additional needs, but there are supports

Practical and financial help and guidance are available for students with a disability or other additional needs

Don’t miss these speakers at Higher Options 2025

From Abigail Ruth Freeman on science and IT to Artur Banaszkiewicz on studying in Poland, there are many to choose from, so plan ahead

How to make the most of your time at Higher Options

There’s a right and a not-so-right way to approach your visit to the RDS

Why fifth and sixth year students need to know what Higher Options is

Higher Options, Ireland’s largest education expo, is back in Dublin from Wednesday to Friday, September 17th to 19th.

Studying in Asia: ‘I was excited and also a bit scared, but I love to challenge myself’

Rodhan Harris (20) from Co Clare is on a placement in Singapore – an experience he says has been the opportunity of a lifetime

CAO: Reprieve for some students who lost out on favoured course

Some applicants have been offered preferred courses after initially losing out on random selection

Your questions answered: but first, is the Higher Options event for you?

For those considering further and higher education, the expo has information that could shape the path ahead

Life after school: Next stage options from those who have chosen different paths

Whether you choose a PLC, an apprenticeship or the straight-to-college route, there’s more than one way to take the next step

The guidance counsellor: ‘I think we’re overly educated, but perhaps not skilled enough’

Remaining focused on CAO points means overlooking ‘wonderful’ alternatives such as apprenticeships and tertiary degrees

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