100
Combined years teaching English
English – Grinds & Courses
English is one of only two compulsory Leaving Cert subjects, and strong exam technique makes a real difference to the final grade. Our expert teachers focus on close textual analysis, structured essay writing and past-paper practice at Higher Level, helping students build the confidence and clarity to perform under exam conditions.
10,000
English H1s supported
38
live English classes every week
6
class locations – more than any other provider
Find a Class That Fits Your Schedule
With 38 live English classes a week across six locations and online, you’ll always find one to suit your schedule.
Weekly Grinds — English
29-week course, September 2026 – May 2027. Classes are 60 minutes (1st–4th Year) or 75 minutes (5th–6th Year).
1st Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Common | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 1st Year.
2nd Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:15 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Thursday | 18:45 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 2nd Year.
3rd Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 11:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Monday | 18:45 | Higher | Swords | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 18:45 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Monday | 18:45 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 18:45 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 3rd Year.
4th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 4th Year.
5th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Killester | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Swords | Enrol |
| Monday | 17:30 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Monday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Thursday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Friday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 5th Year.
6th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 12:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Killester | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Swords | Enrol |
| Monday | 17:30 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Dalkey | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Dalkey | Enrol |
| Monday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Thursday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Thursday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Friday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 6th Year.
August Preparation Course — English
Monday 17th – Thursday 20th August 2026. Classes are 60 minutes (1st–3rd Year) or 75 minutes (5th–6th Year). No 4th Year course is currently offered.
1st Year
| Days | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 10:15 | Common | Leeson Street | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 1st Year.
2nd Year
| Days | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 13:15 | Common | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Mon–Thu | 11:30 | Common | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 2nd Year.
3rd Year
| Days | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 11:15 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Mon–Thu | 12:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 3rd Year.
5th Year
| Days | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 14:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 5th Year.
What To Expect
Paper 1 vs Paper 2
Leaving Cert English is split across two very different papers, and strong results usually mean preparing properly for both, not leaning on the one that feels more natural.
Paper 1: Reading & Writing
Paper 1 opens with an unseen comprehension based on a stimulus text, followed by a composing section where students choose from a range of writing genres, argument and persuasion, narration, description, information, and aesthetic use of language.
Strong Paper 1 performance usually comes down to practising a wide range of composition styles in advance, not just the one or two a student feels naturally strongest at.
Paper 2: Texts & Poetry
Paper 2 covers a single text studied in depth, a comparative study across three texts (often a novel, a film and a play), and poetry, both prescribed poems and an unseen poem.
Since the single text and comparative sections are studied well in advance, strong preparation here is usually about depth of textual knowledge rather than exam-day technique.
Both papers carry equal weight. It’s worth giving Paper 1 composing practice the same attention as Paper 2 text study, rather than concentrating revision on the texts alone simply because they feel more finished and familiar.
What to focus on
- Practising a range of Paper 1 genres, not just a favourite one or two
- Knowing the single text and comparative texts in real depth, not just a plot summary
- Learning prescribed poetry well enough to handle an unfamiliar essay question on it
- Timing practice under real exam conditions for both papers, not just one
At the Institute of Education, weekly English classes cover both papers throughout the year, so preparation for one doesn’t come at the cost of the other.
Need Some Help? Access Our Free English Resources
We have a collection of free resources to help with English, including:
- Plays
- Poetry
- Essays
- Composition Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of English do you teach?
We currently teach Higher Level English across 2nd–6th Year. Junior Cycle (1st–3rd Year) is taught to a common standard. We do not currently offer a dedicated Ordinary Level English grinds option.
Where can I attend English grinds?
Depending on your year group, English grinds are available online and at our Leeson Street, Killester, Swords, Westmanstown and Dalkey locations. Use the filters above to see what’s available for your year.
Can I attend some classes online and others in person?
Yes. You can mix and match online and onsite classes across different subjects. Once enrolled in a specific class, though, you can only attend that class, whether online or in person.
How much do English grinds cost?
Fees depend on year group and how many subjects you take. For one subject, prices range from €1,020 (1st–4th Year) up to €1,195 (6th Year) for the full 29-week course. Taking multiple subjects reduces the average cost per subject.
What’s included with English grinds?
Every student gets live teaching from experienced English teachers, free class recordings available to rewatch until the end of the State Exams, and exam-focused notes covering both papers.
Are English classes recorded if I miss one?
Yes. Every class, online or onsite, is recorded and available to rewatch through Moodle, right up until the end of the State Exams.
Can I change my subject or class time during the year?
Yes. We allow class changes up to Easter, subject to availability. Contact our office on 01 661 3511 to arrange a change.
On Our Courses Students Receive:
Have Questions? We’re here to help
If you’d like to learn more about this course or need help, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.