On Monday, 21st October at 6pm, The Dublin Academy of Education hosted a comprehensive CAO Information Evening for parents and 6th Year students, an invaluable session designed to help parents navigate the Central Applications Office (CAO) process and explain the many educational pathways available to students as they plan their next steps.
Understanding the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
The evening began with an overview of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, mapping the diverse learning routes from Level 5 PLC courses to Level 8 university degrees. Kay Lynch, our Guidance Counsellor, highlighted the flexibility of Ireland’s education system, encouraging students to consider not only university degrees but also apprenticeships and tertiary qualifications as viable, respected pathways to rewarding careers.
The Power of Self-Discovery in Career Planning
A key theme throughout the evening was self-discovery, the idea that the right career path begins with understanding one’s own strengths, aptitudes, and interests. Kay recommended that students revisit their Transition Year aptitude test results, complete the Careers Portal interest profiler, and dive deep into course modules rather than relying on short marketing blurbs or headline summaries. She reminded students that guidance counsellors play an important advisory role, yet the ultimate responsibility for making informed choices rests with each student.
Navigating Ireland’s Higher Education Landscape
The discussion then turned to the Irish higher education system, including universities, technological universities, and institutes of technology. Kay explained the EU tuition fee structure and stressed the value of exploring institutions beyond the traditional Dublin universities for a broader academic experience. Students were also encouraged to use CareersPortal.ie to compare entry requirements and course content in detail.
The CAO Application Process
The heart of the evening focused on the CAO process itself, from setting up an account on Wednesday, 5th November to finalising choices by the Sunday, 1st February 2026 restricted course deadline.
Kay highlighted several practical tips to prevent common mistakes:
1. Use a personal email address, not a school one, to ensure reliable communication.
2. Double-check exam numbers and school details to avoid mismatched results.
3. List courses in strict order of genuine preference, not based on predicted points.
4. Include backup courses 30–50 points below expected results.
5. Submit applications before the Christmas holidays to avoid last-minute stress.
Students interested in HPAT (for Medicine) were reminded to register in November, while those seeking Irish language exemptions were advised to apply early through NUI.ie, Trinity, or UL, depending on their chosen institutions.
The CAO Points System
Kay provided a clear breakdown of the CAO points system, explaining how students are ranked for each course based on the best six subjects in their Leaving Certificate. She highlighted the significance of meeting specific subject requirements, such as the H4 in Irish for Primary Teaching, and clarified that offers are made in order of preference. Once an offer is accepted, students are automatically withdrawn from all lower preferences.
Exploring Alternative Pathways
The evening concluded with a look at alternative routes, such as PLCs and apprenticeships. Kay emphasised that PLC courses operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so early applications are crucial. She also outlined psychology pathways through universities like Maynooth and Galway, illustrating how students can either pursue a direct psychology degree or complete an Arts degree followed by a postgraduate qualification to achieve accreditation.
Find out more about 2025-2026 College Open Days here.
Next Steps for Students
To close, attendees were provided with a practical checklist:
● Research course levels and pathways across Ireland.
● Review TY aptitude results and complete the CareersPortal profiler.
● Attend college open days and meet with guidance counsellors.
● Set up a CAO account on November 5th.
● Finalise and submit applications by Christmas.
● Confirm restricted courses by February 1st 2026.
● Review the Statement of Application Record in May 2025.
The Dublin Academy extends sincere thanks to all parents and students who attended. The session was designed to equip every student with the clarity and confidence to navigate the CAO process, ensuring informed, considered choices that will shape their academic and professional futures.
You can download Kay’s CAO slides here from the CAO Information Evening.
Visit CAO.ie for more information.
