What Leaving Cert Points Do You Need to Become a Teacher | Pathways to Teaching with Portobello

Choosing a career in teaching can be both rewarding and fulfilling. It’s a profession that shapes future generations and makes a meaningful impact on society.

If you're an Irish student looking to pursue a teaching career, one of the first questions you might have is: what Leaving Cert points do you need to become a teacher?

This article will outline the points system, the different paths into teaching, and the essential requirements for both primary and post-primary teaching in Ireland.

Understanding the Leaving Cert Points System

The Leaving Certificate (Leaving Cert) is the terminal examination in the Irish secondary school system. Students are awarded points based on their performance across six subjects. Higher-level grades earn more points than ordinary-level, and students typically need to achieve certain minimum points to qualify for various university courses.

To become a teacher in Ireland, there are specific point requirements depending on whether you want to pursue a career in primary or post-primary education.

Points Required for Primary School Teaching

To become a primary school teacher, you need to complete a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. This is a four-year undergraduate program offered by several colleges and universities in Ireland.

For primary teaching, the points requirements can be quite high due to the competitive nature of the course. Historically, the Leaving Cert points for a B.Ed. degree range from 465 to 530 points. However, these points can fluctuate slightly from year to year, depending on demand and available places.

In addition to achieving the required points, candidates must meet specific subject and grade requirements:

• Irish: A minimum of an H4 (Higher Level, 60-69%) is essential, as fluency in Irish is necessary for teaching in Ireland's bilingual education system.
• English and Maths: A minimum of O4 (Ordinary Level) or H7 (Higher Level) in both subjects is required.

Alternative Routes to Primary Teaching

If you don’t meet the points requirement for direct entry into a B.Ed. program, there are alternative routes, such as:

• Postgraduate courses: After completing an undergraduate degree in another field or a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education, you can apply for a Professional Master of Education (PME) (Primary Teaching). Entry to the PME is also competitive and requires at least a 2.2 honours degree at the undergraduate level.

Points Required for Post-Primary (Secondary) School Teaching

For those looking to become a post-primary teacher (secondary school), the path is slightly different. You can either pursue an undergraduate degree in a subject you want to teach (such as English, Maths, or History) followed by a Professional Master of Education (PME), or enter a Concurrent Bachelor’s degree in education and your chosen subject.

Concurrent Degrees

Concurrent degrees such as Bachelor of Education in Home Economics and Business Studies, for example, combine your teaching qualification with your subject area of choice. The points for concurrent education degrees typically range from 400 to 510 points, depending on the subject combination and the institution.

Undergraduate Degree + PME Path

Alternatively, you can pursue an undergraduate degree in your chosen subject such as a BA (Hons) Physical Education, which requires points ranging from 300 to 500, or a non-CAO Leaving Cert points route with direct application at Portobello Institute depending on the course and institution. After obtaining a degree, you'll need to apply for a PME, which is a two-year postgraduate course required for teaching at the secondary level.

Minimum Entry Requirements for PME

To enter a PME program, you must have at least a 2.2 honours degree and demonstrate that your undergraduate degree covers a sufficient amount of the subject you intend to teach (typically about 60 credits or more). The competition for places on the PME can be tough, so high academic standards are essential.

Additional Considerations for Teaching in Ireland

• Garda Vetting: All aspiring teachers must undergo Garda vetting as part of the application process. This ensures the safety and well-being of students.
• Language Requirement: For primary teaching, Irish fluency is essential, and you must pass the Irish language requirement. For post-primary teaching, if you want to teach a language, such as French or German, you will need strong proficiency in that language.
• Interview Process: Some teaching courses may require an interview in addition to meeting the points and academic requirements. This can assess your suitability for the teaching profession in terms of communication, motivation, and personal qualities.

Portobello Institute's Path to PE Teaching

Portobello Institute offers a pathway to becoming a PE teacher with a BA (Hons) Physical Education combined with our MSc PE, PGCEi & Teaching Assessment Ready route. This route does not require Leaving Cert points.

Find Out More

If you are interested in our teacher route, you can speak with our admissions advisor, Hannah Meade, by booking a consultation call here, email hannah.meade@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0029.