Guidance and Student Support at ETSS Wicklow

Supporting students to recognise their strengths, make informed decisions and plan confidently for their future.

The Guidance Counselling Department at ETSS Wicklow supports students in recognising their strengths, making informed decisions and reaching their full potential. Through educational, personal, social and career guidance, students are encouraged to develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate school life and plan for their future.

Guidance is an integral part of the school's pastoral care system. Our Guidance Counsellor provides a safe, supportive and confidential space where students can seek advice and support in areas including subject choices, relationships, personal challenges, further education and career planning.

The Guidance Department works closely with teachers, school management, AEN staff, parents and external professionals to support students throughout their time at ETSS Wicklow.

Guidance Throughout the School

Guidance is a whole-school responsibility and is embedded across subject areas and wider school life. Teachers support students in recognising their strengths, developing transferable skills and understanding how their learning can connect to future opportunities.

1st Year

Transition to secondary school, relationships, self-awareness and learning skills.

Transition Year

Personal strengths and interests, subject choices and career exploration.

5th Year

Career research, college options, apprenticeships and future planning.

6th Year

CAO applications, career decisions and preparation for life after school.

The Three Areas of Guidance

1

Educational Guidance

Supporting students with subject choices, learning strategies and educational decisions, while helping them recognise their abilities, strengths and potential.

2

Personal and Social Guidance

Promoting wellbeing, resilience, self-awareness and positive relationships, while supporting students through personal challenges and important life transitions.

3

Career and Vocational Guidance

Helping students explore their interests, strengths and aspirations and research pathways into further education, higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment.

Accessing Guidance Support

To access any of the individual guidance supports outlined above, students, parents or guardians can contact their Year Head to arrange a referral to the Guidance Counsellor.

Careers and College Information

Planning for life after school is a shared responsibility between students, parents and guardians, and the Guidance Department.

Students are encouraged to actively research and explore their options, while Guidance provides support, advice and resources on CAO, HEAR, DARE, college choices, apprenticeships, Further Education, UCAS and alternative pathways.

6th Year Careers Information

Important careers information, college updates, application deadlines and upcoming events are shared through the 6th Year Microsoft Teams group.

Students should check Teams regularly.

Careers Events and Course Research

Students can use Qualifax and CareersPortal to explore college courses, open days and careers events, and the CAO website to research course points.

Qualifax CareersPortal CAO Points

Leaving Certificate and Beyond

Our 2026 Guidance Information presentation brings together key information for students and families on Leaving Certificate points, CAO applications, access routes, Further Education, apprenticeships and other pathways after school.

Use the PDF controls to move between pages, zoom or open the presentation separately.

Open Presentation

Planning for Life After School

There are many different routes available after Leaving Certificate. Students are encouraged to research several pathways and consider the option that best suits their interests, strengths and future plans.

CAO and Higher Education

The CAO manages applications to undergraduate courses in participating higher education institutions. Students should research courses carefully, check entry requirements and list choices in genuine order of preference.

Visit CAO

HEAR and DARE

HEAR and DARE are higher education access routes for eligible school leavers. Students who may qualify should research the schemes early and ensure that all application and documentation requirements are completed on time.

Visit Access College

Further Education and PLC

Further Education and PLC courses can prepare students for employment, provide recognised qualifications and offer progression routes into higher education.

Explore Further Education

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine learning with paid workplace experience. Opportunities are available across areas including construction, electrical, engineering, finance, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and many other sectors.

Explore Apprenticeships

UK and European Study

Students interested in studying in the UK can research courses and applications through UCAS. European application processes vary by country and institution, so students should research individual requirements carefully.

UCAS EUNiCAS

Alternative Tertiary Routes

Tertiary programmes can allow students to begin their studies in Further Education before progressing to a partner higher education institution. These pathways can provide an alternative route into Level 7 and Level 8 programmes.

National Tertiary Office

Important for 6th Year

Students should regularly check Microsoft Teams and the relevant official websites for CAO, HEAR and DARE, UCAS, Further Education and apprenticeship deadlines.

Application dates and requirements can change from year to year, so students and families should always check the official source before submitting an application.

Funding and Additional Opportunities

Students should also consider financial supports, scholarships and other opportunities when researching their options after school.

SUSI Student Grants

SUSI is Ireland's national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. Eligible students may receive financial support towards approved courses in Ireland and, in some cases, abroad.

Visit SUSI

Scholarships

Many colleges offer academic, sporting and other scholarships. Requirements and deadlines vary, so students should research scholarship opportunities directly with their preferred colleges.

Explore Scholarships

Useful Links and Websites

These websites provide useful information for students researching further education, training, careers, funding and future pathways.

Central Applications Office CAO applications and course information Access College Information on HEAR and DARE SUSI Student grant information and applications Apprenticeship.ie Apprenticeships and application information National Tertiary Office Alternative routes from Further Education to Higher Education UCAS Study and application information for the UK EUNiCAS European university course information SpunOut Youth information and support FETCH Courses Further Education and Training courses Qualifax Course, college and career research CareersPortal Careers, courses and pathway information Scholarships Search scholarship opportunities

Information for School Leavers

Students and families can access the Information for School Leavers guide for further information on education, training, employment and supports available after secondary school.

View School Leavers Guide

Guidance Contact

Students, parents and guardians can contact their Year Head to arrange a referral to the Guidance Counsellor.

For careers and senior-cycle Guidance enquiries, you can also contact:

Rachel.byrne@etsswicklow.ie