My department sets the minimum entry requirements for Irish, English and Mathematics for entry to primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Programmes, which all prospective applicants for primary B.Ed and PME programmes must meet.
As the first official language in Ireland, and for fundamental cultural and historical reasons which are inextricably linked to Irish identity, the study of the Irish language is a key aspect of the learning experiences that are considered appropriate for students in recognised schools in Ireland.
The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) Entry Requirements and Procedures for 2026 document outlines the entry requirements – link attached for ease of reference: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/002f37d2/Final_Professional_Master_of_Education_Primary_teaching_Entry_Requirements_2026.pdf
While full entry requirements are outlined in the above document, the requirements for Irish, English and Maths, along with the grades in Northern Ireland’s A level that are considered equivalent to those required in the Irish Leaving Certificate, are outlined below:
Irish:
H4 (60 – 70%) in the Leaving Certificate
Grade C (60 – 69%) Northern Ireland GCE A Level
English:
H7 (30 – 40%) or O4 (60 – 70%) in the Leaving Certificate
Grade C (60 – 69%) in both English and English Literature or Grade B at GCSE level in either.
Maths:
H7 (30 – 40%) or O4 (60 – 70%) in the Leaving Certificate
Grade D at GCSE Level in Additional Mathematics or a Grade C at GCSE Level in Mathematics.
I trust that this clarifies the entry requirements for the Deputy. There are currently no plans to make changes to the Irish-language requirements, however, my department keeps entry standards on ITE courses under continuous review.
