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5th Year

We provide our students in 5th year with a transformative educational experience. Students are immersed in the Leaving Cert curriculum, but they are also afforded an opportunity to build life skills through super and extracurricular activities.

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57

Years of Excellence

35,000

students supported this year

140

full time Institute students received 600+ points in 2025

1

The Institute was ranked 1st amongst grinds providers

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Liam Dingle

Head of 5th Year

5th Year is the year that sets everything up. Cover the course properly, build real confidence in your subjects and arrive into 6th Year ahead of the game rather than scrambling to catch up. That is exactly what we are designed to do here.

Every 5th Year student gets a structured, supported year with teachers who know the Leaving Cert inside out, a timetable built around their needs and a team around them from day one. I work closely with every student in the year to make sure they are on track, getting the right support

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Fees

Learn more about our school fees.

26/27 Prospectus

Read the current school prospectus.

2026 Yearbook

Access last year's yearbook.

Policies and Safeguarding

Understand our school policies.

A Dedicated 5th Year Team

Liam Dingle

Head of 5th Year

Nicky Dowling

5th Year Tutor

Meet All The Teachers

Learn More About the Application Process

Apply to Attend The Institute

Applications for 2026/27 are now open. Click the button below to learn more about the application process

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Subject Choices

Explore the range of subjects available in 4th year, allowing students to test their interests before senior cycle.

Maths
Irish
English
French
German
Spanish
See All of Our Subjects

Find Your Pathway

Our educational environment is exceptional. A friendly school community will support you every step of the way so that you can achieve your potential in 5th Year and beyond.

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Ireland’s Best Teaching Team

Many of our teachers are textbook authors and SEC examiners who are the experts in their field.

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Recorded Classes and Legendary Notes

We livestream and record every class taught at The Institute of Education. These make very effective revision tools.

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Exceptional Support

We support our students to achieve their potential by providing them with additional weekly masterclasses, tutorials and project support classes.

A Welcoming School Community

Starting somewhere new can feel daunting. At The Institute of Education, every 5th Year student arrives on the same day, into the same environment, with the same fresh start. From orientation day onward, we’ve build an open, welcoming community that supports you in making friends that will last a lifetime.

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Discover How You Work Best

5th Year at The Institute of Education is about more than getting through the course. We’ve a dedicated study skills programme to build brilliant revision habits. A wellness programme tackles stress, nutrition and mental health. And we’re proud of our health and fitness programme led by an Irish international athlete. This means by the time 6th Year arrives, you’ll know exactly who you are and what you’re capable of.

Find out more
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Plan for Your Future

5th Year is when the big decisions start to feel real. A team of qualified guidance counsellors are with you throughout 5th Year to help you choose the right subjects, plan your CAO and figure out what comes after the Leaving Cert.

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Student Testimonials

What changed for our house wasn't the grades, it is how much less stressed she is on a Sunday night. Her warm welcoming teachers means she is never afraid to ask a question.

Mark
Parent of a Current 5th Year Student

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Programme Format?

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

Exam preparation and revision commences in March.

Entire Leaving Certificate syllabus completed by February.

What Sets 5th Year at The Institute Apart?

The Institute sets the standard for second-level education.

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.

What Support Do Students Get?

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.

Have Questions? We’re here to help

If you’d like to learn more about this programme or need help, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Contact us here