Ask Brian: The jury is out – but it depends on how they are used and the quality of learning

It’s normal for Junior and Leaving students to feel overwhelmed by stress. Some simple tips can help you feel better prepared

Here’s how you choose the best course and the right college for you

Timeline for the 2019 college application process

Ask Brian: There is a strong case to ensure we provide affordable housing for critical public-sector workers

Ask Brian: Sport often tops students’ aptitude profiles – though few go on to study it

Brian Mooney on how to approach the CAO process and get your course choice right

Ask Brian: There are plenty of options within the greater Dublin area

Leaving and Junior Certificate students should stay calm and focused in the final four weeks before the exams, writes Brian Mooney

The application deadline is May 1st – but applicants can change courses up to July 1st

One in every eight 2019 CAO applicants for a level 8 degree lists a business course as their first option

Ask Brian: Principals will face more demands on their time on foot of reforms

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

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

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

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

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

Postgraduate programme will add set of cross-sectoral skills to enhance employability

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

Ask yourself what type of programme you wish to follow: research or taught

Why would a graduate consider starting a postgraduate programme when employment prospects are looking so good?

If you wish to alter your career path, a conversion course might be the right option

There are lots of options but graduates will need to pass an Irish language test

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

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

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

Ask Brian: Rules vary across colleges and individual programmes

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

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

Register your details now – you can determine your final course preferences later

The first significant career choice you make will not necessarily be life-determining

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

Timeline for the 2019 college application process

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

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

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

Modern apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative route to higher level qualifications

Schools with dramatically falling numbers can have grossly inflated progression rates

School figures also account for all students who sat the Leaving Cert in previous years

State’s exceptionally high college-going rates vary dramatically depending on social class

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

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

Ask Brian: Students don’t have to choose careers – just courses that match their interests, aptitudes and abilities

Ask Brian: Erasmus placements boost language skills and job opportunities

Ask Brian: He can move to a higher preference after an upgrade – if there are spaces

Legislation for grievance procedures was never enacted – but new law should help

Ask Brian: The move from first to second year can be a big step up for some students

Open days give you a great chance to gauge how good a fit your course and college choice will be

What you need to know to make sure you take full advantage of your open day opportunity

Ask Brian: Several thousand Irish students are studying at EU universities

Ask Brian: Existing fees are set to remain in place for the 2019-20 academic year

Ask Brian: Parents face daily battles to protect their children from compulsive gaming

Exams body should implement changes and not appeal Rebecca Carter judgment

There are lots of options – but costs are steep, so be sure to do your research

The first month of college can be challenging for anyone starting third-level

Arts graduates have excellent skills to meet needs of changing workplaces

Value of Higher Options to school-leavers depends entirely on level of preparation ahead of RDS event

The offers of places in medicine is different to all other CAO programmes

Analysis: Five take-aways from this year’s available college places

Teachers should have no knowledge or interest in these financial matters

What you should know ahead of the three viewing sessions for rechecking exams

Up to 40% of new students are entitled to grants to help cushion college costs

Unfilled college places are due to come onstream for those with unsatisfactory offers

Exam candidates can take photos of their exam scripts for the first time

Practical, hands-on courses offer career progression and skills enhancement outside traditional CAO system

Students shy away from arts and head for job-ready engineering, science and construction

Prospective students have until Friday, August 24th, to accept their first-round offer of a college place

Progression to college directly from school is not the only route

College Choice: Students have range of options if they missed entry requirements

Change in grading system contributes to increasing popularity of higher level subjects

If you feel you should have done better, you can view your script to decide if it’s worth having it rechecked

First-round CAO offers for college places will be made on Monday, August 20th. What can you expect to happen next, and how do you (...)

All colleges ready to deal with last-minute queries from applicants

An exam survival guide for Junior and Leaving Cert students (and parents)

Rising numbers of non-Irish students are studying in Ireland – but it can be costly

Plan for loans are dead in the water – awaiting a decent burial

Timeline for the remainder of the 2018 college application process

It’s time to review your CAO application so here’s how to get your course choice right

Completing a third-level degree isn’t the only way to launch a successful career

Here’s how to go about choosing the best course and the right college for you

Simple techniques can help minimise exam stress

Don’t rush into a course which doesn’t excite you – there is plenty of time to decide

New data-sharing rules mean students must ensure the CAO is aware of Irish exemptions

One in every seven 2018 CAO applicants for a level 8 degree lists a business course as their first option

Students should not be expected to sit three Leaving Cert written papers in a single day

Some younger students may not be ready for the demands of third-level

Schools have discretion to determine whether TY is compulsory or not

Benefits differ in specific details, which could be significant over a lifetime

Urgent action is needed to address the single biggest threat to the quality of our children’s education

Lack of subject choice is a deep unfairness of the secondary system

Courses are hugely expensive, though there are ways of cushioning costs

Anxiety is normal. Intensify your preparation over the coming weeks

Ensuring that your course of choice has credibility in the labour market a big challenge

Increasing convergence across almost all sectors of the economy leading to greater job mobility

Rapidly improving economy offers wide array of options for college graduates

This academic interlude is of immense benefit to students’ growth and development

18 year olds are entitled to be treated as adults by schools

Ask Brian: There are a number of options available once you’ve exhausted all avenues in school

Teaching posts may become harder to secure in future as numbers are projected to fall