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 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.
The 6th Year Academic Calendar 2024 / 2025 can be found below.
You can also download a printable version here.
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.
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.
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.
