CAO Updates

1. CAO Handbook 2026

The postal mailing to schools containing 5 CAO Handbooks, a CAO poster and letter, and the HEAR DARE application literature was distributed last month. To view the accompanying letter, please go to the Schools Message Board in the ‘Guidance/Schools` section of the website. If you go to www.cao.ie/handbook you can view the PDF and as well as the condensed PDFs (by level) of 2026 course listings. The layout of these new PDFs will allow for all the course listings to be printed on 12 double-sided pages if desired.
The 2026 personalised handbook is also available at www.cao.ie/handbook

2. Guidance Counsellor Resources

The 2026 website will go live in early November, with applications commencing from noon on 5 November. In the Guidance/Schools section of the website, we have updated some of the resources that you may find useful, e.g. 2026 posters, info sheets, etc. You can locate these resources in the interim by going to the `Guidance Counsellor Resources` section and clicking on the 2026 tab. The remaining resources will be updated and available from 5 November on the 2026 version of the website.

3. November Conferences
The provisional dates for the 2025 November Conferences, in association with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and the Higher Education Institutions, are:

4 November – Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

5 November – Clayton Hotel, Limerick

11 November – Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth

12 November – Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan respectively.

An online webinar will also be offered on 7 November for those who are unable to attend an in person event. Full details and an online registration link will be available on the CAO website (Guidance/Schools section) from the 6 October at noon. Online registration will close on 24 October at midnight.

4. CAO Online Information Evening for Students and Parents – DATE CHANGE
An online information evening for Students and Parents, in association with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and Admissions Officers from Higher Education Institutions, will take place on Tuesday, 21 October at 6pm. Registration for this event will open on 1 October at noon at www.cao.ie/webinar

Please note: This is a change to the previously published date due to unforeseen circumstances. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

I look forward to meeting you all at an upcoming event in November.