So your teen has their Leaving Cert results — first of all, a huge congratulations to them for getting through it! Whether the results are exactly what they hoped for or not, this is a real milestone worth celebrating.
If you’re wondering what happens next, here’s a practical rundown of where to turn for help and information.
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Leaving Cert Helpline
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There is a Leaving Cert Helpline available to support school-leavers and their parents or guardians: 1 800 265 165.
The Helpline is provided courtesy of the National Parents’ Council, in association with the Irish Independent, the Department of Education, and supported by the GAA. Qualified guidance counsellors are on hand to give advice and support to both students and parents in the days following results.
CAO Vacant Places
Didn’t receive an offer for the course you wanted? CAO Vacant Places may have something suitable.
After Round One, the Available Place facility runs on a weekly schedule of applications, offers and acceptances, so it’s worth checking back regularly and applying promptly if a course of interest appears.
Post Leaving Cert Courses
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If your teen is considering a year out, or wants another route to the course they really want, a Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course is worth exploring.
Careersportal.ie has useful tools and information, including a course finder you can search by keyword, subject area, college and area.
Student Accommodation
The rush for student accommodation tends to kick off once CAO offers come out — see what’s available near your teen’s chosen college on College Cribs.
If your teen is heading to another city, it’s also worth asking around your network — you never know if someone else’s teen is heading the opposite way and a room swap could work for both families.
Student Grants
Visit www.susi.ie and HEA.ie to get familiar with student grant information and to read the guidance notes before completing an application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there support available if my teen didn’t get the results they expected?
Yes — the Leaving Cert Helpline connects students and parents with qualified guidance counsellors who can talk through options, including repeat exams, alternative courses, and next steps.
What if my teen doesn’t get a CAO offer for their preferred course?
CAO Vacant Places lists courses with places still available after the main rounds. It’s updated on a weekly cycle, so it’s worth checking regularly rather than assuming all options are closed.
Is a PLC course a good option if my teen wants to take a year out?
A PLC course can be a great way to build skills, gain a qualification, or improve a CAO application for the following year. Careersportal.ie’s course finder is a good starting point for exploring what’s available.
Where can we find out about student grants?
SUSI and the HEA website are the best starting points for grant information and guidance on completing an application.
Related Articles
- 10 Leaving Cert Gift Ideas For Teens That Aren’t Money
- 8 Things I Didn’t Expect With My Teen Leaving Home for University
Save This for Later
Results day can be a lot to take in — save this article so you have all these links and numbers in one place when you need them, or browse our other articles for teens and parents navigating life after school.
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