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Senior Cycle

The Senior Cycle caters for students in the 15 to 18 year age group. It includes an optional Transition Year, which follows immediately after the Junior Cycle. Transition Year provides an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, including work experience. During the final two years of Senior Cycle students take one of three programmes, each leading to a State Examination: the traditional Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) or the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).

Close-up of a student orienteering

Transition Year Programme

A one-year programme that is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes.

Transition Year Programme
Students preparing for their next class

Leaving Certificate Established

A two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering them a chance to specialise towards particular higher education and career options.

Leaving Certificate Established
Students gathered to study outside on the grass

Leaving Certificate Applied

A two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.

Leaving Certificate Applied
Students painting a mural in their community

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Programmes

Transition Year Leaving Cert. Vocational Programme Leaving Cert. Applied

Related Content

SPHE Framework Transition Year Audit Senior Cycle Redevelopment