5th Year
Students begin to explore courses, careers, apprenticeships and other pathways in greater detail while becoming familiar with entry requirements and progression options.
Leaving Certificate Guidance
Supporting senior-cycle students as they research their options, make informed decisions and plan for life after school.
Guidance in 5th and 6th Year focuses on helping students explore further and higher education, apprenticeships, training, careers and other pathways after Leaving Certificate.
Looking for wider Guidance support?
Visit our main Guidance page for information on whole-school educational, personal, social and career guidance.
Visit Student GuidanceSenior Cycle Guidance
During senior cycle, students are encouraged to take an active role in researching their options and considering the pathways that best match their interests, strengths and future plans.
6th Year
The focus moves towards applications, deadlines, access routes, financial supports and making informed decisions about education, training and employment after school.
Pathways After Leaving Certificate
Students should research more than one pathway and check the most up-to-date requirements directly with the relevant organisation or institution.
CAO & Higher Education
The CAO manages applications to undergraduate courses in participating Irish higher education institutions. Students should research courses carefully and check individual entry requirements.
Visit CAOHEAR & DARE
HEAR and DARE are higher education access routes for eligible students. Requirements and supporting documentation should be researched early.
Visit Access CollegeFurther Education & Training
Further Education and Training can provide recognised qualifications, practical skills, preparation for employment and progression opportunities into higher education.
Explore FET CoursesApprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine structured learning with paid workplace experience and are available across a wide range of sectors.
Explore ApprenticeshipsTertiary Programmes
Tertiary programmes can allow students to begin their studies in Further Education before progressing to a partner higher education institution.
National Tertiary OfficeStudy Outside Ireland
Students considering study in the UK or Europe should research application systems, entry requirements and individual institutions carefully.
6th Year Parent Information Session
Parents and guardians can watch our 6th Year Guidance Information Session for an overview of key senior-cycle guidance information, progression routes and planning for life after Leaving Certificate.
Leaving Certificate and Beyond
Our Guidance Information presentation brings together key information for senior-cycle students and families on Leaving Certificate points, CAO applications, access routes, Further Education, apprenticeships and other progression pathways.
Funding & Scholarships
Students should consider the financial supports and scholarship opportunities that may be available alongside their course research.
SUSI
SUSI provides information and applications for student grants for eligible further and higher education students.
Visit SUSIScholarships
Colleges and other organisations may offer academic, sporting and other scholarships with different eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Explore ScholarshipsCourse & Career Research
These resources are useful starting points for comparing courses, careers and progression opportunities.
Current Information & Deadlines
Senior-cycle students should regularly check the relevant Microsoft Teams channels and official application websites for current Guidance information, deadlines, events and opportunities.