1st Year
Transition to secondary school, settling into a new environment, relationships, self-awareness and learning skills.
Guidance at ETSS Wicklow
Supporting students to understand themselves, make informed decisions and plan confidently for their future.
Guidance at ETSS Wicklow supports students throughout their time in school through educational, personal, social and career guidance.
Students are supported in making decisions about subjects, learning, wellbeing, further education, training, apprenticeships, careers and life after school.
Guidance Throughout School
Guidance develops as students move through school. The focus changes according to their stage of education, from settling into secondary school to making decisions about senior cycle and planning for life after school.
2nd & 3rd Year
Developing independence, recognising strengths and interests, considering future options and preparing for the transition into senior cycle.
Transition Year
Exploring interests and abilities, researching careers and pathways, gaining experience and preparing for senior-cycle subject choices.
5th Year
Career research, college and further education options, apprenticeships, entry requirements and longer-term planning.
6th Year
Applications, CAO, access routes, further education, apprenticeships and making informed decisions about life after school.
Accessing Guidance Support
Guidance is part of the wider student-support system at ETSS Wicklow. Students, parents or guardians who wish to access individual guidance support can contact the student's Year Head, who can arrange a referral to the Guidance Counsellor where appropriate.
Planning for Life After School
There is no single pathway after secondary school. Students are encouraged to research a range of options and consider which route best matches their interests, strengths and future plans.
CAO & Higher Education
The Central Applications Office manages applications to undergraduate courses in participating Irish higher education institutions. Students should research courses carefully, check entry requirements and list choices in genuine order of preference.
Visit CAOHEAR & DARE
HEAR and DARE are higher education access routes for eligible school leavers. Students who may qualify should research the schemes early and ensure that application and supporting documentation requirements are completed correctly.
Visit Access CollegeFurther Education & Training
Further Education and Training courses can provide recognised qualifications, practical skills, preparation for employment and progression routes into higher education.
Explore Further EducationApprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine structured learning with paid workplace experience and are available across a growing range of sectors.
Explore ApprenticeshipsTertiary Programmes
Tertiary programmes allow students to begin their studies in Further Education before progressing to a partner higher education institution, providing another route into degree-level study.
National Tertiary OfficeStudy Outside Ireland
Students considering study in the UK can research courses and applications through UCAS. Application systems elsewhere in Europe vary, so individual institutions and countries should be researched carefully.
Leaving Certificate and Beyond
Our Guidance Information presentation provides students and families with an overview of Leaving Certificate points, CAO applications, access routes, Further Education, apprenticeships and other pathways after school.
This presentation contains information for the current senior-cycle cohort. Students should always check official websites for current application dates and requirements.
Open PresentationFunding and Scholarships
Financial supports and scholarships may be available depending on a student's circumstances, chosen course or institution.
SUSI Student Grants
SUSI is Ireland's national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. Students should check eligibility criteria and application information directly with SUSI.
Visit SUSIScholarships
Colleges and other organisations may offer academic, sporting and other scholarships. Requirements vary, so students should research opportunities with individual institutions.
Explore ScholarshipsResearch Your Options
These websites are useful starting points for researching courses, careers, further education, apprenticeships, applications and financial support.
CareersPortal
Careers, courses, occupations and education pathways
Qualifax
Further and higher education course information
CAO
Higher education applications and course information
FETCH Courses
Further Education and Training opportunities
Apprenticeship.ie
Apprenticeship pathways and opportunities
SUSI
Student grant eligibility and applications
Current Guidance Information
Application dates, entry requirements, course details and opportunities can change from year to year. Students should use the official websites above and regularly check the relevant school Microsoft Teams channels for current information, deadlines and Guidance updates.
Guidance Contact
For careers and senior-cycle Guidance enquiries, students, parents and guardians can contact:
[email protected]