Advice: Brian Mooney | The Irish Times

There are plenty of law degrees of very high standing right across the higher education sector. Photograph: iStock

Will CAO points for law rise or fall this year?

Ask Brian: More students are applying to study law this year so points are likely to rise

There have been numerous reports of children’s attendance at school being restricted to the bare minimum number of hours each day. Photograph: iStock

It it lawful to put my five-year-old on a reduced-hours timetable?

Ask Brian: Limiting a child’s access to schooling is a failure by the education system

Guidance counsellors regularly provide one-on-one support to students in distress. Photograph: iStock

My marriage break-up is affecting my son’s school work. Who can help?

Ask Brian: Guidance counsellors are qualified to provide one-on-one support

The timing of the Leaving Cert results and CAO offers will shift this year.

Does my Leaving Cert daughter need to be in the country for her results?

Ask Brian: Students who wish to view their exams scripts will need to be present

Students born outside Ireland are exempt from Irish requirements for entry to National University of Ireland colleges. Photograph: iStock

My son was born in the UK. Does he have to study Leaving Certificate Irish?

Ask Brian: Exemptions depend on how long a pupil has been out of Irish education system

There is no need to panic or rush to make a decision. Your daughter has until July 1st to make her CAO course choices. Photograph: iStock

My daughter has no guidance counsellor. Where can she get expert career advice?

Ask Brian: Schools have a legal obligation to ensure pupils have access to guidance

CAO deadlines: most applicants can change their minds until July 1st. Photograph: iStock/Getty

My daughter says her CAO deadline is in March. Is she right?

Ask Brian: Some courses have early deadlines, but most options stay open until July 1st

Prospective pilots require a range of aptitude and skills possessed by only a small cohort of interested applicants. Photograph: iStock

What happens if my daughter’s dream of being a pilot doesn’t take off?

Ask Brian: It may be highly competitive but there are a number of training routes

The leisure and fitness industry continues to experience rapid growth and there are lots of opportunities. Photograph: iStock

‘I want to work in the fitness sector. What’s the best course to do?’

Ask Brian: It makes sense to invest extra time for professional quality training

There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements. Photo: iStock

Ask Brian: My daughter wants to teach. What’s the best entry route?

There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements

Language requirements for entry to third level vary, but exemptions are available. Photograph: iStock

My son is exempted from languages. Can he still go to third level?

Ask Brian: Rules vary across colleges and individual programmes

Many third-level institutions set aside places in their courses for students coming from a PLC background. Photograph: David Sleator

Ask Brian: Is a PLC course a good option for studying science?

Many colleges set aside places for students who have completed Post-Leaving Cert courses

Trust your instincts, don’t be overinfluenced by the plans of others – particularly your friends’ plans. You will make lots of new friends, wherever and whatever you end up studying. Photograph: Getty Images

CAO applications: Eight things you need to know

CAO countdown: Research your options thoroughly – and then trust your instincts

It is perfectly normal for Leaving Cert students at this stage to still be unsure about what course options to take. Photograph: iStock

Ask Brian: ‘My daughter wants a year out. Should she still apply to the CAO?’

College is just one of many options but It’s worth registering in case of a change of mind

Think of what your child’s strongest aptitudes are and help them identify educational and/or training options that are in tune with them. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

CAO: The dos and don'ts to help guide your child's choice

Avoid the traps: Parents can offer vital support, but their knowledge is often outdated

The qualifications of teachers who qualified abroad are assessed by the Teaching Council to ensure they are of a comparable standard to Irish programmes. Photograph: iStock

Ask Brian: Can I teach in an Irish classroom even though I qualified abroad?

The Teaching Council assesses the qualifications of out-of-State teachers

Students in Northern Ireland are entitled to apply for coursessthrough the CAO but are often unaware this is an option. Photograph: iStock

Ask Brian: Can my son in Northern Ireland apply through the CAO system?

NI residents may apply – though how these rights will be affected by Brexit is unclear

Apprenticeships, or “earn and learn” options, offer a valuable alternative to college. Photo: iStock

Ask Brian: Is my son too bright for an apprenticeship?

Modern apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative route to higher level qualifications

The good news is that all the information about college courses is out there if you know where to look. Photograph: iStock

A course by any other name

Ask Brian: I can’t find a third-level course in the area I’m interested in. Can you help?

Many schools will continue to ignore their role as data controller in the cases of adult students taking the Leaving Cert. Photograph: iStock

Ask Brian: ‘I am 18. Why should parents get my exam results?’

Schools are ignoring obligation to seek students’ consent before sharing data

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College open days offer the opportunity to inspect facilities at the institution of your choice. Photograph: iStock

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