
I’m thinking of studying in a UK university. What post-Brexit fees will I face?
- Education
- January 19, 2021, 00:00
Irish students will not pay international fees – but costs may jump nonetheless

Key dates for 2021 CAO applications
- Education
- January 12, 2021, 09:05
Timeline for this year’s college application process

Six steps to applying for college in 2021
- Education
- January 12, 2021, 05:00
The transition from school to third level can be a challenge. This is what you have to do

How CAO applications are processed
- Education
- January 12, 2021, 05:00
The points for any given third-level course can rise or fall each year

What to consider when selecting your next move after Leaving Cert
- Education
- January 12, 2021, 04:00
Questions to help determine your career path

Our broadband is woeful. How can my daughter sit the online Hpat?
- Education
- January 12, 2021, 00:00
Technological requirements to complete the test will be daunting for many students

Feeder schools: Ironing out statistical quirks
- Education
- January 8, 2021, 00:25
College data accounts for current and previous students who register in the same year

More students from Deis schools progressed to third level in 2020
- Education
- January 8, 2021, 00:10
Feeder schools: Social class still a big factor in securing college places

My daughter is fluent in Spanish. How can she get a second-level teaching job?
- Education
- January 5, 2021, 00:00
Teaching Council has revised subject requirements for would-be teachers

I’m thinking of becoming a secondary teacher. What qualifications do I need?
- Education
- December 15, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: You should have studied at least one subject from post-primary curriculum at degree level

I’m in my 40s and thinking of college next year. Should I apply now?
- Education
- December 8, 2020, 00:00
CAO applicants required to submit extra paperwork should start preparing now

My son isn’t logging onto lectures. I worry that he’ll drop out of college
- Education
- December 1, 2020, 00:00
Remote learning is putting a huge strain on many students, particularly first years

My daughter is stressed about her CAO choices. Is time against her?
- Education
- November 24, 2020, 00:00
An initial list must be submitted by February 1st but this can be fully amended later

My daughter hasn’t a clue what she wants to do after school
- Education
- November 17, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Students can access a variety of websites to explore options

My son studied law but doesn’t want to be a solicitor. Does he have other options?
- Education
- November 10, 2020, 00:00
Legal qualifications are useful across many areas including compliance and governance

I’ve just started college, is it too late to apply for a Susi grant?
- Education
- November 3, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There’s still time, but the application deadline expires soon

Top 10 tips on how to make the most of college open days
- Education
- November 2, 2020, 01:00
What you need to know to make sure you take full advantage of your online open day opportunity

Higher Options: Prepare in advance and use your time wisely
- Education
- November 1, 2020, 01:00
Representatives from the CAO, universities, colleges, further education institutions and educational bodies will be available in a(...)

Ask Brian: Will Leaving Cert exams take account of Covid?
- Education
- October 27, 2020, 00:00
Next year’s papers will look similar to previous years, but with more choice

I want to be a vet but CAO points are just too high. Are there any other options?
- Education
- October 20, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There are lots of other routes, mostly in mainland Europe

I missed out on CAO points for nursing. Is there another route into it?
- Education
- October 13, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Cost-cutting means there are few options outside the CAO process

I plan to sit the Leaving Cert in November alongside college. Am I taking on too much?
- Education
- October 6, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: It won’t be easy. But if you are genuinely dissatisfied, it is worth the effort to secure those extra CAO points

Is it a good idea for my daughter to study physiotherapy abroad?
- Education
- September 29, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Cheaper fees, prestigious courses and easier entry requirements are turning many students’ heads

Attention turns to final rounds of CAO
- Education
- September 23, 2020, 21:58
Brian Mooney: The CAO’s Available Places facility has almost 200 courses advertised

I find it hard to learn online. How will I survive in college this year?
- Education
- September 22, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Most teaching in third level will be online, but there are supports available

Should my daughter defer her college place?
- Education
- September 15, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Many families are struggling to justify the cost of accommodation given so much material will be taught online

Brian Mooney: Student anger may deepen when teachers’ estimated grades are released
- Education
- September 13, 2020, 17:16
For some this data will be of mild interest, yet for others it will feel very significant

Brian Mooney: Anger that teachers' marking caused high-point courses to go up
- Education
- September 12, 2020, 05:00
By creating additional college places the Government has kept down the CAO point requirements

CAO: Four things you need to know before accepting an offer
- Education
- September 11, 2020, 02:00
Grades are up significantly this year, so expect increased points for many programmes

Your CAO offer and how to respond to it
- Education
- September 11, 2020, 00:00
Moment of truth for thousands of applicants as first college offers are issued today.

How much will CAO points increase? All bets off this year
- Education
- September 10, 2020, 02:53
Grade inflation will send points upwards – but more college places may ease pressure

Have private schools lost out in the calculated grades process?
- Education
- September 8, 2020, 20:45
Discrepancies in the way grades were lowered raises some urgent questions

Leaving Cert 2020: What you need to know about the appeals process
- Education
- September 8, 2020, 03:58
This year’s process for appealing grades is very different to the usual system

I’m worried I won’t get the CAO points I need. Are there alternatives?
- Education
- September 8, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Further education is excellent alternative route into many degree courses

CAO points likely to increase across many courses
- Education
- September 7, 2020, 06:00
Brian Mooney: Greater number of grades at higher level could lead to third-level points jump

Everything you need to know about the CAO process in 2020
- Education
- September 7, 2020, 00:00
Tens of thousands of CAO applicants will receive offers of places on courses in round one

CAO 2020: Think before hitting the ‘accept’ tab for unexpected offer
- Education
- September 7, 2020, 00:00
By Friday evening colleges throughout the country will be processing acceptances

Leaving Cert 2020: How the CAO determines points allocations
- Irish Times
- September 7, 2020, 00:00
CAO points requirements are determined by a combination of factors

Alternative career routes boost options for school-leavers
- Education
- September 7, 2020, 00:00
Practical, hands-on courses offer career progression and skills enhancement outside the traditional CAO system

Leaving Cert 2020: The end of a remarkable journey
- Irish Times
- September 4, 2020, 00:00
If you are unhappy with the grade you received, you can appeal this assessment.

Irish exam system puts student at centre to avoid UK’s grades shambles
- Opinion
- September 1, 2020, 16:17
79% will get grade proposed by teacher, 17% will be downgraded and 4% upgraded

How can I help my son’s Leaving Cert study get back on track?
- Education
- September 1, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There are simple ways to help students re-engage after losing focus during Covid-19 lockdown

Brian Mooney: An escape route from Leaving Cert results chaos
- Opinion
- August 18, 2020, 15:53
Abandoning calculated grades will bring its own problems

My daughter plumped for single course in CAO application. Is this risky?
- Education
- June 30, 2020, 01:00
Ask Brian: I strongly encourage all applicants to have a wide list of possible courses

My daughter thinks she won’t get the points for medicine. Should she reconsider?
- Education
- June 23, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Points for some high-demand courses could end up droping this year

My fifth-year son has fallen behind. Should I be worried?
- Education
- June 16, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: The coming year’s Leaving Cert students are, by and large, in the same boat

Will I be able to pick and mix my predicted grades with Leaving Cert results?
- Education
- June 9, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: The good news is the class of 2020 will have lots of options to make the grade

Tough decisions ahead over college options in coronavirus era
- Education
- June 9, 2020, 00:00
Prospective students have a lot to consider before deciding on third-level choice

Should I defer going to college this year due to Covid-19 chaos?
- Education
- June 2, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Most lectures will be online and campus may be only partially open

Is it too late to apply for a postgraduate course in teaching?
- Education
- May 26, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There are still options available for both primary and post-primary

CAO Q&A: Everything you need to know about the change of mind process
- Education
- May 26, 2020, 00:00
Brian Mooney on how to approach the CAO process and get your course choice right

Key dates for CAO applications
- Education
- May 26, 2020, 00:00
Timeline for the 2020 college application process

CAO decision time: What should you study at college?
- Education
- May 26, 2020, 00:00
Students have until July 1st to submit their final third level course options to the CAO

Will Leaving Cert ‘calculated grades’ be accepted by universities abroad?
- Education
- May 19, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: About 2,000 students have applied for college courses in the UK or Europe

I want to apply for a grant but am not sure I’ll get my course. Can I still apply?
- Education
- May 12, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: You do not need your Leaving Cert results or to have accepted a course to submit an application

Teachers up against the clock to decide on Leaving Cert grade
- Education
- May 8, 2020, 19:13
Parochialism of Irish society suggests weeks ahead may be uncomfortable for educators

Will Junior Cycle exam cancellation scupper my son’s plans to do an apprenticeship?
- Education
- May 5, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Junior Cycle is minimum entry requirements for many apprenticeships

How will Leaving Cert delay affect students going on to further education?
- Education
- April 28, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There are still many unanswered questions on how academic year may change

My kids have too much homework and I’m struggling to cope. What can I do?
- Education
- April 21, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Regular communication between home and school is more important than ever

Leaving Cert students in a stronger position than they may realise
- Education
- April 14, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Covid-19 is likely to lead a to drop in CAO points for college courses

How can I motivate my children to study at home?
- Education
- April 7, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Try to make learning fun for younger children and help older ones focus

How can I motivate my children to study during the school closures?
- Education
- March 31, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: The effort which students make today will stand to them over time

I work in hospitality and fear losing my job. How do I upskill?
- Education
- March 24, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Many underestimate the wide range of skills they have acquired

Q&A: Is the cancellation of Junior and Leaving Cert orals fair to students?
- Education
- March 19, 2020, 18:26
Ask Brian: Students will not be able to move from ordinary to higher to benefit from changes

My daughter wants a job combating climate change. Is this possible?
- Education
- March 17, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Engineering is a very practical way to address issues such as sustainability

Matching skills with labour market demand
- Education
- March 10, 2020, 00:00
In an increasingly competitive jobs market it is always worth considering what will set you apart

How to select the right postgraduate course for you
- Education
- March 10, 2020, 00:00
Ask yourself what type of programme you wish to follow: research or taught

My daughter in fifth class wants a mobile phone, but I don’t think she’s ready
- Education
- March 10, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Giving in to your child can buy short-term peace and quiet – but at what cost?

Business degrees among the most popular choices
- Education
- March 10, 2020, 00:00
A qualification in business is a great investment in your future career and there is a huge selection to choose from

Will I lose my saved data on course choices under changes to Qualifax?
- Education
- March 3, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Users’ accounts will be deleted soon – but it is possible to protect your data

I want to go back to college. Do I qualify for any grants or financial supports?
- Education
- February 25, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There are a range of funding schemes available for mature students

My son has a disability. Will he get reduced CAO points for his course?
- Education
- February 18, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: There is a common misconception around how admission rules for school-leavers with disabilities operates

My son says he’s got a college place and is now slacking off. Can this be true?
- Education
- February 11, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Most EU colleges offer places based on meeting minimum requirements

My eldest child started secondary recently. Could you explain the Junior Cycle changes?
- Education
- February 4, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: The reforms are built around eight key skills deemed crucial to prepare young people for the modern world

My son still has no idea what course he wants. Should he still apply to the CAO?
- Education
- January 28, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: College one of a range of options – and by no means the only one

Can I use the Trinity matriculation exam for CAO points?
- Education
- January 21, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: TCD hosts two matriculation exams in April in geology and biblical studies

CAO countdown: Last-minute tips before the college application
- Education
- January 20, 2020, 00:01
Looming deadline for discounted online registration expires on Monday at 5.15pm

CAO Countdown: Focus on your interests, not high-point courses
- Education
- January 17, 2020, 01:00
It is wrong to view third-level options totally through prism of points requirements

CAO countdown: Can you afford to go to college? Here’s what it costs
- Education
- January 16, 2020, 01:00
Make sure to do your financial calculations before choosing a course

CAO Countdown: Six steps to applying for college in 2020
- Education
- January 14, 2020, 00:00
College application process can seem intimidating and complex – here’s how to do it

My daughter has to register with the CAO but doesn’t know what to study
- Education
- January 14, 2020, 00:00
No need to panic - there is plenty of time to decide exactly what you want to do

Key dates for 2020 CAO applications
- Education
- January 14, 2020, 00:00
Timeline for this year’s college application process

CAO Countdown: What to consider when selecting the next move after the Leaving Cert
- Education
- January 14, 2020, 00:00
Can you put the facts about yourself together to see what picture may emerge?

How CAO applications are processed
- Education
- January 14, 2020, 00:00
A reduction in the artificially inflated range of choices would lead to lower drop-out rates

CAO countdown: The dos and donts of supporting your child’s course choices
- Education
- January 13, 2020, 00:01
Parents’ perception of the education options for their children are often outdated

I’m 35 and feel ready to start a new career. Where should I start?
- Education
- January 7, 2020, 00:00
Ask Brian: Reflect on what you think are your key strengths and competencies

What changes could improve education in 2020?
- Education
- December 23, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: For a change, here’s my wish list for the education sector in the coming year

Ask Brian: My son is struggling with primary school maths. How can I help?
- Education
- December 17, 2019, 00:00
There are some new online resources available linked to the curriculum

I teach in a Catholic primary school but I’m not a believer. Must I teach the sacraments?
- Education
- December 10, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: This is a dilemma shared by many teachers because faith formation is part of the school day in most schools

Feeder schools: Six take-aways from this year’s figures
- Education
- December 3, 2019, 01:00
Grind schools may be drawing students away from some fee-paying secondary schools

My daughter’s school doesn’t offer transition year. Why not?
- Education
- December 3, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Some schools still seem to think TY does not fully engage pupils

Feeder Schools: Ironing out statistical quirks
- Education
- December 3, 2019, 00:00
How is it mathematically possible for schools to show a progression rate of more than 100%?

My son has dyspraxia. How can I ensure he’s supported in school?
- Education
- November 26, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Sharing personal data on children has become more complex due to GDPR

My son stays up late on his phone and is missing school. What can I do?
- Education
- November 19, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Secure family and school supports and prepare to take away treats

Why are so many Leaving Cert students being upgraded?
- Education
- November 12, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Clerical errors can often be to blame – but there may also be a hidden factor

Does new core status for history in Junior Cycle mean other subjects will lose out?
- Education
- November 5, 2019, 00:00
Much depends on how much teaching time is allocated to history under new changes

My daughter wants to drop out of college. Will it cost more to start a new course?
- Education
- October 29, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Repeat students who leave courses after October 31st pay a penalty

Is it difficult to secure a college place in Ireland from abroad?
- Education
- October 22, 2019, 00:00
Ask Brian: Students from other jurisdictions can apply through the CAO system