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 6th year at The Institute of Education complete our One-Year Leaving Certificate Programme. The course format is as follows:
6th Year:
- Entire Leaving Certificate syllabus completed in one academic year.
- Assignments and project course work for the Leaving Certificate all completed in one academic year.
6th year students at the Institute benefit from working with our experienced teachers as they undertake serious, focused study in their final year.
With 28 subjects available, our 6th year students can choose the combination of subjects that they enjoy and are most likely to succeed at. Students can choose to take up a new subject in their final year if they wish, under the supervision of a guidance counsellor.
Teachers discuss grade targets with students and monitor performance throughout the year, with regular testing and continuous assessment, as well as responding to individual student needs with additional tuition if necessary. Some subjects are also offered at both a 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. Regular study skills seminars, supervised study and access to an academic mentor throughout the year means that all 6th year students can work to their strengths and develop a study routine that suits their own individual style.
We are already at an advanced stage with our preparations for the academic year 2024/25, with ongoing investment in both our physical and digital infrastructure. Our priority will always be to provide a safe environment for all our students and staff, so that nothing will distract from the focus on tuition and learning. We remain committed to our core objective of maximising the true, inner potential of every single student that comes to the Institute of Education.
Our dedicated career guidance department works closely with all 6th year students, providing them with advice, guidance and support throughout their final year. Whatever path a student wishes to take, the team has the knowledge, resources and expertise to support each student individually as they make key decisions about their future.
Detailed advice and support on CAO & UCAS, interview preparation, college applications, personality and aptitude profiling and an annual career fair are just some of the services available to all 6th year students.
The 6th Year Academic Calendar 2024 / 2025 can be found below.
You can also download a printable version here.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon, 26th Aug 2024 | 6th Year Orientation Day (new students) |
| Thurs, 29th Aug 2024 | Classes Commence |
| Fr, 27th Sept 2024 | Wellbeing Break |
| Mon, 28th Oct - Fri, 1st Nov 2024 | Mid-term break |
| Mon, 4th - Fri, 15th Nov 2024 | 6th Year Examination Period |
| Mon, 23rd Dec 2024 - Fri, 3rd Jan 2025 | Christmas Holidays |
| Mon, 3rd Feb 2025 | St. Brigid's Day - Bank Holiday |
| Mon, 10th - Thurs, 20th Feb 2025 | 6th Year Mock Examinations |
| Fri, 21st - Tues, 25th Feb 2025 (inclusive) | 6th 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 |
| Mon, 19th May 2025 | 6th Year Graduation |
| Fri, 23rd May 2025 | 6th Year Tuition Ends |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 6th year full-time day school at The Institute of Education:
Q. What time do classes start?
A. Students may select classes that start at 8:30am. All students must be in school by 9:30am at the latest.
Q. What is the length of a school day?
A. This depends on the number of subjects taken, but students must be in the building between the hours of 9.30am – 3.30pm.
Q. What study facilities do you have?
A. We have supervised study in our study hall between the following hours: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm, Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm.
Q. Do you have to study during the day at free periods?
A. Yes. Except for an hour at lunchtime, students are required to be in study for all other free periods. Study is compulsory!
Q. I’m coming in directly from 5th year. Will what I learned in 5th year be covered or revised?
A. Yes – we effectively cover 2 years in 1 year.
Q. Are science practical’s available?
A. Yes – practical’s are in available in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Home Economics and Agricultural Science..
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. What Career Guidance Services are available?
A. We have two career guidance counsellors for the 6th year full-time day school.
Q. Is there continuous assessment i.e. class tests?
A. Yes – continuous assessment takes place in all classes. There is also written homework and students take regular tests, the results of which are put on to Moodle which parents and students can access.
Q. Can I sit my Leaving Certificate exams at the Institute?
A. Yes, we have a number of exam centres available to students.
Q. When are the mocks held and where?
A. Mocks are held in February and are taken in The Institute of Education.
Q. Is there anyone available to assist with DARE/HEAR applications?
A. Yes, we have a designated resource teacher who can help with applications for DARE etc.
Q. Are there extra-curricular activities available to 6th years?
A. Yes. There is a range of activities from which students may choose. (Please note all extra-curricular activities are subject to numbers). We encourage 6th years to retain their extra-curricular interests throughout the year.
Q. What is a typical class size?
A. The average class size is 30 students.
The Institute of Education offers three different options for the payment of fees for the 6th Year Full-Time Day School for the academic year 2025/2026.
| Option A | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Payment | €11,850 |
| Option B | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part Payment | €11,850 |
| Option C | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Direct Debit | €12,150 |
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.
Focused Study in the Final Year
The 6th year programme at the Institute provides students with the tuition, support and environment to undertake serious, focused study in their final year.
See what our teachers and 6th year students have to say about the programme in this short video.
Want To Join Our School?
We are now accepting applications for our 6th year full-time school commencing September 2025.
For further information please contact our friendly and supportive Admissions Team or submit an application form today.
Guidance Counselling
Our Guidance Team work closely with 6th year students throughout the year, supporting them through the process of gathering 3rd level information, thinking through their options, making decisions, and completing the necessary applications.
Whatever path a student wishes to take, the team has the knowledge, resources, enthusiasm and expertise to support each student individually as they make key decisions about their future.
The school handled all the challenges with great commitment to the students.
It is even better than advertised.
– Paula, parent of 6th year student 2020
I was particularly impressed with how the school handled things during the pandemic and really appreciate you didn’t let the standards drop during this time.
– Gervaise, parent of 6th year student 2020
Your school is absolutely amazing and my daughter loved every minute of it. I cannot praise the Institute and your wonderful staff enough.
– Dervilla, parent of 6th year student 2020
I don’t think any parent could have asked for more intervention or support during this difficult period. Remarkably, even through all of these restrictions your team managed to keep all students engaged, informed and prepared throughout.
– Greg, parent of 6th year student 2020
My time in the Institute will always be special. Not only have I gained life-long knowledge, I have gained a family!
– Angela, Class of 2020 student
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 work closely with our 6th year students, providing extra before and after class tuition on request, supporting students in key areas and preparing them for the Leaving Certificate exams.
