Guides
Practical, up-to-date guides on every route through Irish education and into work. Written to be read in minutes, not hours.
What It Actually Takes to Get an H1 in the Leaving Cert
H1s got rarer in 2026 — down to 10.1% of all grades. Here's what an H1 actually requires, how grading changed this year, and what genuinely helps beyond generic study tips.
Got an H8 in the Leaving Cert? Here's What It Actually Means and What to Do
An H8 is 0-29% at Higher Level and carries 0 CAO points. Here's exactly what that does to your application, your options for viewing scripts and appealing, and realistic next steps.
CAO Points 2026 vs 2025: What Actually Changed, and Why
CAO points rose on average in 2026 even though grades fell. Here's why that happened, which courses moved the most, and what it means if you're applying next year.
Backdoor Routes Into Irish College Courses: The Real Alternative Paths
Missed the points for your course? There are real, legitimate alternative routes in — PLCs, tertiary degrees, mature entry, HEAR/DARE and more. Here's how each one actually works.
Should You Repeat the Leaving Cert? A Realistic Look at the Decision
Thinking about repeating the Leaving Cert? Here's how CAO points actually work for repeat students, what a repeat year costs, and the real risks and benefits.
Is StudyClix a Scam? An Honest Look at the Irish Revision Platform
Wondering whether StudyClix is worth paying for before you sign up? Here's what it actually is, what you get for your money, and who's behind it.
Is Examinaite a Scam? What This AI Leaving Cert Tool Actually Does
Examinaite promises AI-personalised Leaving Cert revision and feedback. Here's who built it, what it actually offers, what it costs, and what to be realistic about.
CAO Change of Mind: How It Works and What Not to Mess Up
The CAO Change of Mind window lets you rework your course list after the Leaving Cert. Here's exactly how it works, the 2026 deadline, and the mistakes that catch people out.
Is CourseCompass a Scam? An Honest Look at the Irish Career Test
Wondering whether CourseCompass is legit before taking its career test? Here's what it is, how it works, who's behind it, and what students and schools actually get from it.
No CAO Offer (or the Wrong One)? Here's Exactly What to Do
Missed the points, got your fifth choice, or got nothing at all — a calm, practical plan for the days after CAO offers come out.
What to Do After Secondary School: Every Option Explained
University isn't the only route. Here's an honest look at all your options after the Leaving Cert — CAO, PLC courses, apprenticeships, work, and gap years.
How the CAO Actually Works: A Plain-English Guide
Deadlines, the order-of-preference rule, round offers, and the mistakes that cost students their place — the CAO system explained simply.
How to Choose a College Course You Won't Drop Out Of
One in six first-years doesn't progress. A practical method for choosing a course based on evidence about yourself — not points, prestige or panic.
Leaving Cert Points Explained (With the Full Points Table)
How Leaving Cert points are calculated, how the maths bonus works, and why the points system matters less than you think.