Leaving Certificate School
A supportive alternative Leaving Certificate school helping young people rebuild confidence, achieve nationally recognised qualifications and create new opportunities for their future.
Every young person deserves a second chance to succeed
The Childhood Matters Leaving Certificate School provides an alternative educational pathway for young people who have found it difficult to thrive in mainstream education.
Many of our students have experienced challenges that have interrupted their education or affected their confidence in learning. Our role is not simply to help them complete the Leaving Certificate, but to help them rediscover their strengths, rebuild their confidence and believe in what is possible for their future.
Learning takes place in a small, supportive environment where every student is known as an individual. Alongside academic learning, we place equal importance on relationships, wellbeing, life skills and helping young people develop the confidence to take their next step.
The programme offers:
- A supportive alternative Leaving Certificate programme with seven Ordinary Level subjects.
- Small class sizes where every student is known, valued and encouraged.
- A nurturing environment built on kindness, safety, empathy and belonging.
- Pathways into further education, apprenticeships, employment and higher education.
Who This Service Is For
The Leaving Certificate School is for young people whose circumstances mean that a mainstream school environment is no longer the right fit, but who still want the opportunity to complete their education and build a positive future.
The programme is suitable for:
- Young people who would benefit from a smaller, more supportive learning environment.
- Students whose education has been disrupted by personal, family or social circumstances.
- Young people who are motivated to work towards the Leaving Certificate in an alternative setting.
Learning in a place where you belong
Many of our students arrive believing that education is no longer for them.
Our small school community offers something different. Students are welcomed into an environment where they are known, supported and encouraged to learn at their own pace.
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. By creating a safe and respectful learning environment, we help students rebuild confidence, develop resilience and reconnect with education.
Preparing for the Leaving Certificate and beyond
Students study seven Leaving Certificate subjects at Ordinary Level, supported by experienced teachers who understand the challenges many young people have faced.
Our aim is not only to help students achieve qualifications, but to help them develop the confidence, study skills and resilience they need for whatever comes next.
Students leave with nationally recognised qualifications that can open pathways to further education, apprenticeships, employment and higher education.
More than an Education
Education is about more than passing exams.
Alongside academic learning, we help young people rebuild confidence, develop life skills and strengthen their sense of self-worth.
For many students, this is an opportunity to revisit parts of their learning and personal development that may have been interrupted, helping them create a stronger foundation for adult life.
Creating pathways to the future
Students from the programme have gone on to:
• MTU & UCC
• PLC courses
• Apprenticeships
• Employment
“This is a place where young people are given the opportunity to believe in themselves again and create a different future." -Margaret Nolan, School Manager
Outcomes
Young people leave the programme with:
- A nationally recognised Leaving Certificate.
- Greater confidence in their abilities.
- Stronger life skills and resilience.
- Clear pathways into further education, training, apprenticeships or employment.
- A renewed belief in what they can achieve.
Referral Details
Referrals accepted from:
- Department of Education.
- School Liaison Officers.
- Tusla Social Workers.
- Garda Youth Diversion / Liaison.
- Probation Service.
- Internal Childhood Matters services.
Because of current funding arrangements, the programme is not able to provide the specialist supports required for young people with significant Special Educational Needs.
Is this an accredited Leaving Certificate?
Yes, this is fully accredited and recognised. Students sit seven ordinary level subjects and are supported in a small comfortable and personal way by our teaching staff.
Can students’ progress to college?
Yes. A lot of our students proceed to one of the local universities ,MTU or UCC or decide they take up further education specialising in a trade.
Is this only for students who have left school?
No. Referrals can come from a variety of sources such as;
- Department of Education.
- School Liaison Officers.
- Tusla Social Workers.
- Garda Youth Diversion / Liaison.
- Probation Service.
- Internal Childhood Matters services.
Will my child be treated differently because they've struggled in school?
Absolutely not.
Every young person deserves to feel respected, supported and capable of success. Because the school has small classes, students are taught in a personal and very supportive way, learning at their pace.
Could this service help someone you support?
When you’re ready, follow the referral steps to get in touch with our team.
