Forget the CAO: Here are some alternatives to college
Apprenticeships, traineeships and PLCs provide alternative routes to exciting, well-paid careers
Classroom to College
Sign up to Classroom to College newsletter from The Irish Times. Led by Education Editor Carl O'Brien, the essential newsletter to navigating the Leaving Cert for parents, guardians and students
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
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
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
‘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
CAO issues second round offers to more than 3,000 students
Those who have received an offer today will have until Wednesday, September 10th at 3pm to accept it
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
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Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices