Here’s a study guide for the final months before the Leaving Cert exams
We got expert tips from two of Ireland’s leading study websites and their learning experts
Leaving Certificate
Discover the latest updates on the Leaving Cert syllabus, with news and adivce on exams, results and your educational journey
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
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
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
Feeder Schools 2025: What you need to know about latest data for Irish schools
Data is compiled from State Examinations Commission Leaving Cert sits list and lists provided by higher education institutions
Feeder Schools: How to make sense of school progression charts
14,000 of the 2025 Leaving Cert class decided that applying to the CAO was not right for them
Third-level progression rates: Why do some schools score more than 100%?
It seems mathematically impossible, but the percentage number accounts for several different elements
Teacher with 15 years’ experience facing €4,000 cost to pursue career in Ireland
‘I don’t think people realise just how many obstacles there are for teachers who qualify abroad’, says Sinéad Ryan
‘My son has no idea what he wants to do after college, so how real is the CAO cut-off point?’
The February 1st initial deadline is in many ways an administrative carryover from a bygone era
Young Scientist: Kerry student (15) wins overall prize for brain cancer diagnostic tool
Aoibheann Daly develops GlioScope that can reduce need for invasive procedures
Education matters: Places on medical and paramedical degrees in Ulster University
Ask Brian: There are places open to Republic of Ireland students, but applications must be submitted to UCAS by January 14th
Which CAO programmes must be listed due to portfolio, interview or performance criteria?
Ask Brian: All you need to know about the restricted application courses for 2026
‘My son is considering a trade or apprenticeship option, but should he make a CAO application too?’
Ask Brian: Now is the peak season for conversations among sixth years about their next steps
Where CAO points are likely to settle in 2026
Ask Brian: Gradual reduction in grade enhancement begun this year will continue for the next four or five years
Leaving Cert AI reforms risk making a mockery of the principle of equality
Teachers are wearily getting on with the reformed Leaving Cert, but there are some things they just can’t do – like stopping students cheating
Rising youth unemployment in Ireland: ‘You apply for 100 jobs and 95 don’t get back to you’
A centre in Finglas is helping young people get the training and qualifications needed to get into the workforce
Teacher quit job to build personalised AI revision platform for Leaving Cert
Examinaite already has 1,000 users and plans UK expansion after strong early growth
Half of Early Learning and Care staff expect to leave job within five years – OECD report
Survey found 97% of workers in Irish sector have high qualifications but low level of job satisfaction
Dental nurse who broke red light and knocked down student given suspended sentence
Ruth Kavanagh (29) did not stop to provide assistance following incident in Dublin in 2022
‘First of all, I don’t have summers off’: Teachers assess the reality of education in Ireland
Three teachers reflect on their experience of Ireland’s past and present and their hopes for the future
Celebration of science: Students show problem-solving prowess at 2025 SciFest
Over 16,000 second-level pupils entered the competition with projects on energy, environment, IT and assistive technology
‘Points don’t define potential – work ethic and passion do’
Rickwang Tientcheu says he drifted through the Covid years of second level before building up his own app for students, Edu Éire
Leaving Cert 2026: What do grading changes mean for students?
Points required for competitive courses are likely to remain high despite overall drop in grades
Leaving Cert 2026 results will be lowest in six years as grade inflation tackled
‘It is essential that we return to normal, pre-pandemic arrangements,’ Helen McEntee says
CAO applications: How can I help my son complete the process properly?
Any correspondence from the Central Applications Office must be dealt with promptly
Teacher who had sexual relationship with Leaving Cert student is struck off by High Court
Social media contact with two students was innocuous at first but became sexualised, hearing told
Fee-paying schools have full range of science subjects but DEIS and girls’ schools lose out
Study also finds experience of maths in primary school is key influence on later subject choices
What to focus on at college open days
Key to moving to higher or further education is to concentrate on curriculum content, college facilities and accommodation or public transport
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
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
My son plans to drop higher-level Irish for the Leaving Cert. Is this a good idea?
Many students mistakenly believe they can score more CAO points by dropping ‘difficult’ subjects
Winner takes all in China’s ruthless race for university places
Millions of students will spend the autumn holiday cramming for an exam that can unlock an elite university place — and a 40% income premium
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
The GlossOpens in new window
Read the digital edition of The Gloss magazine now
Family NoticesOpens in new window
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices