What is a Conditional Offer at Portobello Institute?

If you're studying for your Leaving Cert and feeling the pressure of looming exams, you may be focused on CAO decision-making and starting to feel the pressure.

If you find this stressful and overwhelming, you're not alone. This is why at Portobello Institute we have introduced 'conditional offers' which help take the stress out of your Leaving Cert.

At Portobello Institute, a conditional offer gives you the chance to secure a place in one of our courses before your Leaving Certificate results are out. It’s like having your spot pencilled in - on the condition that you meet our static entry requirements.

By static we mean that our entry requirements stay the same and you know them in advance, so there are no surprises or pressure adding up points.

With courses that provide pathways to physiotherapy, PE, fashion careers, health science, early years and more - we know that this will be an appealing option to many of you.

In this post we’ll explain exactly how conditional offers work, why it’s a smart move, and how it can help you breathe a little easier during what can be a stressful time.

How a Conditional Offers Work at Portobello

Here is a step-by-step outline of what happens when you apply for a conditional offer at Portobello:

1. Submit your application early
   You can apply to many Portobello courses before you sit your first Leaving Cert exam. You can apply any time via the course page that you're interested in, for example BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy.

2. Review of eligibility and entry requirements
   Portobello’s admissions team will check your application against the course’s entry criteria (for example Sports Therapy entry requirements are: Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects. If you don't currently study Biology, we can provide a module to fill that gap).

3. Conditional offer issued
   If your application passes, you’ll be given a conditional offer. That means you’ve secured a place—as long as you later meet the entry requirements which you know in advance and don't change.

4. You accept the offer and pay a deposit
   To confirm your spot, you accept the offer and pay a deposit (or partial course fee) as specified in the offer. 

5. Meet the conditions or risk withdrawal
   Once your Leaving Cert results are published, Portobello checks whether you’ve met the exam criteria. If yes, your place is finalised and you start your course. If not, the offer may be withdrawn (or in some cases you may apply for a refund within certain windows). Read the full policy details here.

It’s worth noting: while the offer is conditional, you are not guaranteed a place unless you meet those conditions. And the offer can’t be held indefinitely if you don’t comply with the conditions or timelines.

Why a Conditional Offer Makes Sense for School Leavers

1. Less stress in your final year

Knowing you already have a provisional place takes away the constant worry about whether your exam results will be “good enough” for your preferred course. You don't need to worry about changes in points based on demand or one exam not going well on the day. You don’t have to wait around all summer to find out what you’ll do next and can start planning for your future earlier.

2. Lock in a place early

Some popular courses fill up fast. By securing a conditional offer before exam results, you reduce the risk of missing out just because a course becomes oversubscribed. Portobello's entry requirements are static (they don’t change based on demand). 

3. More planning time

Once your place is provisionally secured, you can focus on other steps: arranging accommodation, sorting finances, preparing for the move, or organising orientation. That certainty gives you breathing room.

4. Direct application, no CAO points scramble

Portobello doesn’t use the CAO system - you can apply directly on our website. That means you’re not competing on points; instead your eligibility is based on fixed entry requirements. The conditional offer system fits neatly with this model.

5. Refund safeguards if you change your mind

If you accept a conditional offer but later choose another path (for example via CAO), Portobello allows a refund of 75 % of fees paid - if requested promptly in writing.

Real Examples: How It Works in Practice

Take the BA (Hons) Physical Education course. Its entry policy states:

“Students may apply and be granted a ‘Conditional Offer’ prior to completing the Leaving Certificate… then once the conditions are met, confirm acceptance and pay the deposit.” 

Or in the Business of Fashion department, Portobello says directly:

“We can give conditional offers if you apply before the Leaving Cert, meaning you can secure your place ahead of time pending your results.” 

The conditional-offer route is already established across multiple areas of study.

Tips to Make the Most of a Conditional Offer

• Apply early in your final school year – don’t wait until after your mock exams.

• Make sure you understand exactly which exam grades or subjects you need to meet.

• Always read the fine print in the offer letter: deadlines, deposit amounts, refund terms.

• Keep your performance in all subjects up - not just those needed for your course.

• Stay in touch with Portobello’s admissions team if anything changes or if you have concerns.

• Use the peace of mind you gain to concentrate on your Leaving Cert without constant worrying.

The Bottom Line

A conditional offer at Portobello Institute is a valuable way to get ahead of the Leaving Cert stress. It means you can lock in your place provisionally before your results are out, focus on doing your best in exams, and avoid spending the summer anxiously trying to sort out what comes next.

For many school leavers, that certainty is exactly the boost they need. If you’re considering putting in your application early, book a consultation with Portobello’s admissions team and see if the conditional-offer route is right for your chosen course.

Portobello Institute Pathways to the Career You Want:

• Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy
• Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Fashion Management
• PE Teaching
• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Inclusive Education
• Lots more!