Entry Requirements
Students applying to our full-time school should have a minimum of 6 Grade C’s at Higher Level Junior Cycle or Merit / Higher Merit / Distinction at Common Level Junior Cycle (or have an expectation of same) or equivalent for overseas students.
Students are required to have attended a full-time education programme in a secondary school for six months immediately prior to applying to The Institute of Education.
Submit Your Application
The first step is to submit an application form. Application forms can be completed and submitted online.
Application forms must be accompanied by copies/scans of the following documents;
- FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN 3RD YEAR: A copy of the 2nd Year Summer Report AND a copy of the 2nd Year Christmas Report.
- FOR ALL OTHER STUDENTS: A copy of the most recent school report AND a copy of the Junior Cert and Mock Results.
- A headshot photograph of the student attached as a jpeg file
Please note we are unable to accept CVs or character references.
Interview
Once an application form has been received, the student and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend for interview with our Admissions Officer. At the interview, the student’s objectives, motivation and examination results to date will be reviewed and discussed.
Offer of Place
Following interview, places will be offered to successful candidates.
Overview
Students entering 5th year at The Institute of Education complete our 2 Year Leaving Certificate Programme.
During the year, we lay the foundations for a successful Leaving Certificate, covering up to 70% of the syllabus in most subjects by the end of the year. Preparatory work will also have been undertaken for assignments and project course work in 6th year.
5th Year
- Teachers will have completed 70% of the Leaving Certificate syllabus in most subjects by the end of 5th year.
- Preparatory work undertaken for assignments and project course work for the Leaving Certificate.
6th Year
- Entire Leaving Certificate syllabus completed by February.
- Exam preparation and revision commences in March.
Subjects
With 28 subjects available, our 5th year students can choose the combination of subjects that they enjoy and are most likely to succeed at.
Timetable
A flexible timetable also means that students can change or take up a new subject under the supervision of a guidance counsellor.
Assessment
Regular testing and continuous assessment in all subjects means that teachers can identify quickly where targeted support or subject guidance may be required for each subject.
Fast-Paced
Certain subjects are offered both at regular and fast-paced learning, to suit different learning styles and abilities.
At the Institute our aim is to ensure that all students perform to the best of their abilities and optimise their time in our school.
Study Skills & Supervised Study
Regular study skills seminars, compulsory periods of supervised study means that all 5th year students can work to their strengths and develop a study routine that suits their own individual style.
Career Guidance & Academic Support
Four fully qualified career guidance counsellors, a resource teacher and a team of academic mentors are available throughout the year to discuss students’ subject choices and future direction.
5th year students at the Institute have access to a wide range of personal development opportunities, ensuring they maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to their studies throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Programme
This programme provides students with a welcome break from study and is essential in developing self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative. Chess, creative writing, debating, film studies, drama and Model United Nations are just some of the clubs available to students. All activities take place after school or during lunchtime.
Health & Fitness Programme
Run by Irish International Athlete Brian Gregan, this programme helps students maintain good health and nutrition habits and develop a balanced and focussed approach to their studies. Students can take part in a range of sporting activities such as athletics, circuit training, football, table tennis and hockey.
Wellness
A wellness programme for 5th year students is designed to increase student awareness and management of mental health and wellbeing. The programme includes weekly workshops on stress, anxiety, nutrition, coping skills and goal setting to name but a few.
The 5th Year Academic Calendar 2024 / 2025 can be found below.
You can also download a printable version here.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon, 26th & Tues, 27th Aug 2024 | 5th Year Orientation |
| Fri, 30th Aug 2024 | Classes commence |
| Fri, 27th Oct 2024 | Wellbeing Break |
| Mon, 28th Oct - Fri, 1st Nov 2024 (inclusive) | Mid-term break |
| Mon, 18th - Fri, 29th Nov 2024 | 5th Year Examination Period |
| Mon, 23rd Dec 2024 - Fri 3rd Jan 2025 (inclusive) | Christmas Holidays |
| Mon, 3rd Feb 2025 | St. Brigid's Day - Bank Holiday |
| Mon, 17th - Fri, 21st Feb 2025 | 5th Year Mid-Term Break |
| Mon, 17th Mar 2025 | St. Patrick's Day - Bank Holiday |
| Mon, 14th - Fri 25th April 2025 | Easter Holidays |
| Mon, 5th May 2025 | May Bank Holiday |
| Wed, 14th May 2025 | 5th Year Tuition Ends |
| Fri, 16th - Fri 30th May 2025 | 5th Year Summer Exams |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 5th year full-time programme at The Institute of Education.
Q. What is the procedure for entry to 5th year?
A. Full details on the application process can be found on our Admissions page>>.
Q. Will my son/daughter have guidance in choosing subjects and levels?
A. Yes, we have a dedicated and experienced guidance team to assist students in the selection of appropriate subjects and levels.
Q. What is the range of subjects which a student can take at The Institute of Education?
A. Students can choose from a range of 28 subjects. There are no subject restrictions – students can do any combination.
Q. How long is each class?
A. The duration of each class is 55 minutes.
Q. What are the study facilities?
A. Supervised study is available to students Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 6.00pm.
Q. If my child has a specific learning difficulty will The Institute of Education provide him/her with learning support?
A. There is a fully qualified resource teacher. Individualised support programmes are tailored to the student’s learning difficulties.
Q. What is the dress code?
A. There is no uniform at The Institute of Education, but all students must present themselves neatly and dress appropriately for a school setting. Inappropriate dress will not be tolerated.
Q. Are there any extra-curricular activities?
A. Yes. There is a range of activities from which students may choose. (Please note all extra-curricular activities are subject to numbers).
Q. Will my son/daughter have access to computers?
A. Yes. There is a computer room where students may undertake Leaving Certificate projects.
Q. What discipline or monitoring is in place?
A. The disciplinary procedure is fully outlined in our Institute of Education Code of Behaviour and Discipline Booklet which is sent to students who have accepted their place and paid a deposit. Students and parents/guardians must agree to comply fully with the rules of the school and indicate their acceptance by signing the relevant agreement sheet.
Students must be in school between the hours of 9.30am-3.30am. Students are required to scan in every day on arrival and their attendance at study is also taken. Parents are contacted if a student is not in attendance and the school was not notified of their absence.
Q. Is supervised study available to all 5th year students?
A. Yes, all 5th year students can avail of supervised study in our school.
Q. What lunch facilities do you have?
A. Lunchrooms are available for those who bring in packed lunches. Students may also leave the school during their lunch hour.
Q. May students leave the school at other times?
A. No. Students must never leave the school without permission. Parents must inform the school in the event of a student needing to leave for any reason (as stated in The Code of Behaviour & Discipline Booklet).
Q. What happens if a student cannot come to school, is going to be late, or has a doctor’s appointment etc?
A. Parents must take responsibility to inform the school before 10.00am if any of the above situations occur, otherwise the student will be marked absent. If visiting a doctor or dentist a note from same must be provided.
Q. How can parents keep track of students’ progress?
A. There are a number of ways in which parents may do this. Class test results are available through our online system – Moodle. There are Parent/Teacher Meetings in February, & parents will also receive end of term results at Christmas and Summer. Parents can also contact the school where staff are always happy to discuss their student’s progress.
Q. Is there any pastoral care in the school?
A. Yes. Students may have appointments with the Guidance Counsellor/Student Adviser and/or the Principal and Deputy Principal to talk through any issues or concerns.
Q. What happens when my son/daughter finishes school each day?
A. The Institute of Education is not responsible for students once they leave the building. However, we strongly advise parents/guardians to be vigilant and monitor the time and activities between leaving school and arriving home.
Q. Will students transfer automatically to 6th year at the end of 5th year?
A. No. Behaviour, academic performance, attendance and punctuality in the 5th year are all taken into account in deciding progression to 6th year.
The Institute of Education offers three different options for the payment of fees for the 5th Year Full-Time Day School for the academic year 2025/2026.
| Option A | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Payment | €11,350 |
| Option B | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part Payment | €11,350 |
| Option C | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Direct Debit | €11,650 |
Please note:
- A deposit of €1000 is payable to secure a student’s place. This deposit does not entitle a student to attend classes.
- A DIRECT DEBIT mandate must be submitted to the office at least 3 weeks before the date of the first direct debit.
- In the event of a student cancelling their application for any reason, before commencement of the school year the Institute will refund the fees, less €200 administration fee. If the student leaves after the commencement of the academic year the Institute will retain the deposit of €1,000 and a proportionate amount of the fees.
- No refund of fees after 1st January 2025.
Please click here to see the Prospectus for the 2025/26 academic year.
A Balanced & Sustainable Approach to Study
A combination of academic focus and tailored support ensures that all 5th year students can approach their studies in a balanced and sustainable way.
See what our teachers and 5th year students have to say about the programme in this short video.
Want To Join Our School?
We are now accepting applications for our 5th year full-time school commencing September 2025.
For further information please contact our friendly and supportive Admissions Team or submit an application form today.
Our Teachers
Our school is home to a team of talented and highly qualified teachers who encourage an enthusiasm for learning, setting challenging but realistic goals for their students.
Dedicated and experienced, they provide extra before and after class tuition on request, supporting students in key areas and helping to deepen their understanding of their subject.
