A shortage of qualified teachers in key subjects is a real problem across many schools

Majority of subjects record a drop in the number of As awarded at Higher Level

More than 61,500 candidates sat English under new Junior Cycle reform framework

Many EU universities offer medical programmes through English

Transition year can be an amazing period of self-discovery for students

Institutions in Dublin and Cork offer highest number of second-round courses

Is accepting a college place through the CAO today always the best option?

If you have a disability, don’t try to be a hero by trying to get by on your own

Last year, about 40% of college applicants were entitled to financial assistance from Susi

CAO’s ‘vacant places’ list shows dozens of courses which may still accept applicants

All you need to know, from reviewing scripts to being wary of accommodation scams

Points have gone up for courses linked to growing economy

Weighing the options: there are three possible scenarios when you log into your CAO file

Leaving Cert 2017: Further education colleges offer a diverse array of programmes

New grading system sees major increases in higher-level participation

Viewing all scripts allows students to find the subject with the best chance of an upgrade

If your grade falls below your expectation you can request a review of the scripts

New grading system and CAO points structure may cause confusion

Recovery in property has driven demand for places in architecture and construction

First places to be offered to applicants such as those who deferred and mature students

Decision time for CAO applicants

Read Brian Mooney's simple tips for helping you get the most out of your exams

Recent decision to increase undergraduate numbers should ease some of the pressure

Ask Brian: A formal qualification will make it easier to advance in Ireland or abroad

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

Keep on top of your college application process with this calendar of crucial dates

If you’re not sure about your choices, you have until July 1st to rectify the situation

All-Ireland programme open to 125 less well-off students annually over next decade

Online tools can help students identify suitable courses based on their interests

Be careful: some third-level courses have minimum subject entry requirements

One in every six 2017 CAO applicants for a level 8 degree lists a business course as their first option

It is possible to do so, but he may have conditions attached to his registration

There are alternatives including degrees through English in the Netherlands

Top tips on how to keep your motivation for study going until your exams this summer

Irish colleges have detailed entry criteria for prospective US students

A decent performance in the oral exam will go a long way to meeting entry requirements

Ask Brian: Student should get advice from teachers who are experts in their subjects

Postgraduate course can bolster skills and competencies relevant to a broad range of occupations

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

Research shows higher levels of education increase your employability as well as salary

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

The new apprenticeships in accounting and insurance offer great on-the-job training

Ask Brian: Reforms aim to provide broader snapshot of students’ achievements and skills

Final course choices are six months away – an eternity in the life of an 18-year-old

Financial obstacles may be driving students away from further education and training

Taking the Hpat again is an option but beware the hefty financial implications

If he withdraws before February 1st he will avoid clocking up significant charges

Insurance for student visas is determined by the Garda National Immigration Bureau

New measure a ‘big blow’ for Government plans to attract more students from abroad

Still confused? There’s no need to panic. You can finalise your choices up until July 1st

Applications to awarding authority open in April but students should do homework now

Reduced points places and extra college support are available for some applicants

Focus on sample papers which are provided as part of your registration fee

About 12,000 mature students are set to apply for college courses this year

Register now but you can hold off making your final choices until the end of June

It is vital for students to choose carefully in order to avoid possibility of dropping out

Growing number of students take up offers of European courses taught through English

Timeline for the 2017 college application process

Wnen it comes to choice, don’t be overwhelmed by the challenge of choosing what you do next

A reduction in the artificially inflated range of choices would lead to lower drop-out rates

Register now with the CAO, but you have until July 1st to make a final decision on your course preferences

You need to prepare yourself for the task ahead in order to succeed

Ask Brian: Anyone who secures a teaching qualification has skills for a wide range of jobs

There’s no need to panic. Career choices are one step on a long and evolving journey

Schools with dramatically falling numbers can have grossly inflated progression rates

Explaining the progression charts of Irish secondary schools

It’s important to show students that science isn’t confined to the laboratory

Admission criteria can make it difficult to get places in over-subscribed schools

If you want to be a vet, you must have practical experience

All colleges are obliged to inform you about what kind of protection they provide

You’ll be spending several years of your life at college. Open days give you a chance to assess how good a fit your choices could (...)

There is more to consider than the curriculum of the courses you are considering

School leavers who cannot get chosen course in Ireland may find the solution abroad

Those who obtained D1 grade are to be eligible for entry to honours degree courses

Try to mimic the structure and variety of a typical school day at home

Deferring a new college place is often the best option this late into the academic year

Many students are affected by child protection checks for some third-level courses

A teacher lacking zest might look at how skills acquired can be used elsewhere

Ask Brian: The Dare scheme offers reduced points places to school-leavers with disabilities

Changes are unlikely in the coming year, but beyond that it is hard to say

Gains in some subjects will be cancelled out by losses in others for most students

Increased uptake in optional Irish oral raises questions for union members

It is too late to defer, but taking a year out to consider other options is a good idea

School principals are interpreting the relevant legislation in different ways

There are other routes to third level if you didn’t get your choice of college offer

Latest offers reflect move to business, technology and construction courses

Many colleges will have orientation days which are well worth attending

Key issues: Where to live and how to afford cost of accommodation and maintenance

CAO ‘Available Places’, private colleges, study abroad and FE colleges are some options

CAO: There will be winners and losers in recalculation of points in 2017

Points drop across the board for arts and social science degrees

Weighing the options: there are three possible scenarios when you log into your CAO file

From accountancy to construction, the choice of apprenticeships is expanding to meet a growing demand

CAO offers: Higher demand for business, construction, technology and nursing this year

If you feel you should have done better, you might consider getting papers remarked

Subjects featuring non-written components likely to yield higher grades

Brian Mooney on some of they key trends from the 2016 exams

First-round CAO offers for college places will be made on Monday, August 22nd. What can you expect to happen next, and how do you (...)

Results day looms but perspective is needed as there is a path for everyone

Analysis: Submissions for courses relating to building industry are up by 20% this year