Entry Requirements
Students applying to our full-time school should have a minimum of 6 Grade C’s at Higher Level Junior Certificate or Merit / Higher Merit / Distinction at Common Level Junior Cycle (or have an expectation of same).
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 most recent 3rd Year Report AND a copy of the 2nd Year Summer 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 4th year at The Institute of Education complete our Three-Year Leaving Certificate Programme. The course format is as follows:
4th Year:
- International examination opportunities.
- Get a head start on Leaving Certificate subjects.
- Sample up to 4 subjects each term.
- Flexible timetable allows for extra-curricular activities & work placements.
- Class recordings mean that no classes are ever missed and that students can keep up with their studies even during their work placements.
- Wide range of personal development opportunities.
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.
4th year students at the Institute can pursue a selection of international examination opportunities throughout the year. These exams are ideal for students in 4th year, giving them an academic goal to work towards during the year.
Language Qualifications
In addition, 4th year students at the Institute also have the option to study for the following language qualifications:
- French DELF
- Spanish DELE
- German Goethe
- Irish TEG
These exams are held in collaboration with the Alliance Française, Instituto Cervantes and Goethe Institut.
With 28 Leaving Certificate subjects taught in the Institute, many 4th year students take the opportunity to sample different subjects and levels before fully committing to them in 5th year. Students can experiment with different subjects, selecting a total of four each term. Towards the end of the academic year an experienced career guidance team then assist students and parents in selecting the appropriate subjects for 5th year.
The 4th year academic programme helps students establish a solid foundation in key subjects such as maths and English, before going on to tackle the fuller syllabus in 5th and 6th year.
Our 4th year students have the opportunity to attend classes alongside their 5th year counterparts providing a genuine insight into the standards required by the Leaving Certificate syllabus.
For students who need to build their academic confidence prior to entering the Senior Cycle, the programme provides an extra year to reinforce the basics, developing valuable study and classroom-based skills.
The 4th year programme at the Institute provides exceptional flexibility for students wishing to pursue sports, extra-curricular activities, or work placement during the year but who also wish to maintain a strong academic focus. Timetables are designed with the help of teachers and guidance counsellors by selecting subjects on a day and at a time that suits their extra-curricular commitments.
Life experiences make us who we are, and 4th year at the Institute provides students with a structured blend of academic and developmental opportunities. The programme is designed to give each individual student the space and stimulus to grow, learn and explore their talents and abilities.
Students take part in a wide variety of courses throughout the year, such as:
- Art Appreciation
- Barista School
- Bridge
- Coding
- Drama
- Driving Lessons
- Environmental Studies
- First Aid
- Fitness
- Gaisce Programme
- Graphic Design
- Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture
- Introduction to Italian Language and Culture
- Irish Sign Language training
- Journalism
- Music Appreciation
- Mythology
- Philosophy
- Politics, Philosophy, Religion
- Kinia Programme
- Tax/Financial Planning
- Wellbeing
- Yoga
School trips and excursions also give students an opportunity to make new friends and engage in experiences not available in the classroom.
For many students, exploring career options through work experience is also an essential part of 4th year. At the Institute, we encourage this and can facilitate work experience during the academic year. We know that our students will benefit most when they are supported with the time and opportunity to learn about and explore their ambitions.
The 4th Year Academic Calendar 2025 / 2026 can be found below.
You can also download a printable version here.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Fri, 29th Aug 2025 | Classes commence |
| Wed, 3rd Sept 2025 | Causey Farm Outing |
| Thurs, 4th Sept 2025 | Lifesaving Block 1 Commences |
| Mon, 8th Sept 2025 | Irish Sign Language Begins |
| Mon, 15th Sept 2025 | Barista Training 1 |
| Fri, 19th Sept 2025 | Day in My Wheels |
| Mon, 22nd Sept 2025 | Barista Training 2 |
| Mon, 22nd Sept 2025 | Sailing Course 1 |
| Fri, 26th Sept 2025 | September Break (No classes for all years) |
| Mon, 29th Sept 2025 | Barista Training 3 |
| Mon, 29th Sept 2025 | Sailing Course 2 |
| Mon, 6th Oct 2024 | Barista Training 4 |
| Fri, 10th Oct 2025 | Theatre Trip |
| Mon, 20th Oct 2025 | Dukes Careers Begins |
| Mon, 27th - Fri, 31st Oct (Inclusive) | Mid-Term Break |
| Mon, 3rd Nov 2025 | Creative TY Connections |
| Mon, 17th - Fri, 28th Nov 2025 | 4th Year Exam Period |
| Wed, 10th Dec 2025 | Careers in Film and TV Workshop |
| Thurs, 11th December 2025 | Final Lifesaving Block 1 |
| Mon, 15th Dec 2025 | Final Irish Sign Language Class |
| Thurs, 18th Dec 2025 | Christmas Jumper Day Fundraising |
| Fri, 19th Dec 2025 | Cinema Outing |
| Mon, 22nd Dec - Fri, 2nd Jan 2026 (Inclusive) | Christmas Holidays |
| Thurs, 8th Jan 2026 | Lifesaving Block 2 Commences |
| Wed, 14th Jan 2026 | Mondello Driving Experience 1 |
| Wed, 21st Jan 2026 | Mondello Driving Experience 2 |
| Wed, 28th Jan 2026 | Mondello Driving Experience 3 |
| Mon, 2nd Feb 2026 | St Brigid's Day Bank Holiday |
| Fri, 13th - Mon, 16th Feb 2026 | Trip to Rome |
| Mon, 16th - Fri, 20th Feb 2026 | Mid-Term Break |
| Mon, 23rd Feb 2026 | Dukes Careers Assessment Day |
| Mon, 16th & Tues, 17th Mar 2026 | St. Patrick's Day Bank Holiday |
| Mon, 30th Mar - Fri, 10th Apr 2026 | Easter Holidays |
| Fri, 24th - Sat, 25th Apr 2026 | Gaisce Carlingford Trip |
| Fri, 1st May 2026 | Jumpzone & Croke Park Outing |
| Mon, 4th May 2026 | May Bank Holiday |
| Thurs, 7th May 2026 | Lifesaving Block 2 Ends |
| Thurs, 14th May 2026 | Tuition Ends |
| Fri, 15th May 2026 | 4th Year Graduation |
| Fri, 15th - Fri, 29th May 2026 | Summer Exams |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 4th year programme at The Institute of Education.
Q. What is the procedure for entry to the 4th year programme?
Full details regarding entry can be found on our Admissions page. Interested parties can also contact the school to request information. Completed application forms must be returned with the requested documentation. Interviews with students & parents will then be scheduled.
Q. Will all students who are interviewed for 4th year be accepted?
No. The interview process selects students who meet the criteria and whom we feel will best benefit from our programme.
Q. Will my son/daughter have guidance in choosing subjects?
Yes. We have a dedicated and experienced guidance team to assist students and parents in selecting the appropriate subjects and levels.
Q. What is the dress code?
There is no uniform in 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. My son/daughter is concerned that they don’t know anyone else in the Institute. Is help provided in this regard?
The first day at the Institute is day one for all of our 4th year students. This means that all of our 4th year students are actively seeking and making new connections from the get-go.
Q. Are there any extra-curricular activities?
Yes. There is a range of activities from which students may choose: e.g. soccer, kickboxing, self-defence, lifesaving, ECDL, debating, chess & creative writing. All activities are subject to numbers.
Q. Will my son/daughter have access to computers?
Yes. There is a fully equipped supervised computer room where students may undertake Leaving Certificate projects.
Q. What is the disciplinary procedure?
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.
Q. What happens during a free class?
Students must either be in class or in supervised study.
Q. May students leave the school at other times?
No. Students must never leave the school without permission. Parents must contact the school in the event of a student needing to leave for any reason (as stated in the Code of Behaviour & Discipline document).
Q. What happens if a student cannot come to school/ is going to be late/ has a doctor’s appointment etc?
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 their student’s progress?
There are a number of ways in which parents may do this. Class tests are available through our online system – Moodle. There are Parent-Teacher meetings in February & parents will also receive end of term results at Christmas, Easter & summer. Parents can also contact the school to discuss their student’s progress.
Q. Is there any pastoral care in the school?
Yes. Students may meet with the Guidance Counsellor and/or the 4th year Student Advisor to talk through any issues or concerns.
Q. What happens when my son/daughter finishes school each day?
The Institute of Education is not responsible for students once they leave the building. However, we strongly advise parents/guardians to be vigilant and to monitor the time and activities between leaving school and arriving home.
Q. Will students transfer automatically to 5th year at the end of 4th year?
No. Behaviour, academic performance, attendance and punctuality in 4th year are all taken into account in deciding progression to 5th year.
The Institute of Education offers three different options for the payment of fees for the 4th Year Full-Time Day School for the academic year 2025/2026.
| Option A | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Payment | €9,990 |
| Option B | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part Payment | €9,990 |
| Option C | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Direct Debit | €10,290 |
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 Unique Combination
The 4th year programme at the Institute provides a unique combination of academic focus and personal development. See what our teachers and students have to say about the programme.
Want To Join Our School?
We are now accepting applications for our 4th year full-time school commencing September 2025.
For further information please contact our friendly and supportive Admissions Team or submit an application form today.
Personal Development
4th year at the Institute is designed to give each individual student the space and the stimulus to grow.
Students have access to a wide range of organized extra-curricular activities throughout the year including chess, creative writing, debating, fundraising & Model United Nations.
Our Health & Fitness Programme provides students with access to a range of weekly sports activities as well as regular wellness talks and workshops.
Sample Subjects
With 28 Leaving Certificate subjects taught in the Institute, many 4th year students take the opportunity to sample different subjects and levels before fully committing to them in 5th year.
Students can experiment with different subjects, selecting a total of four each term. Towards the end of the academic year an experienced career guidance team then assist students and parents in selecting the appropriate subjects for 5th year.
