Getting an education in school is crucial for future success so it's important to carefully choose the right institution. In Ireland, the Leaving Certificate is a state exam that opens doors to education and career opportunities.
Attending a quality school provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills and support to excel in their Leaving Certificate exams and beyond.
Galway, a city situated on Ireland's west coast is famous for its cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The city offers a variety of schools that provide unique opportunities for students to thrive both academically and personally.
If you are from Galway or you are considering studying there, you will be glad to hear that many of the county’s secondary schools rank highly on the national rankings.
These rankings are largely informed by the results that students from the respective schools earn in the Leaving Cert exams and the percentage of graduates that go on to continue their studies at university.
While academic performance certainly isn't everything when it comes to selecting the right school for you, choosing a secondary school that sends a high percentage of students to thor-level education could certainly help you accomplish your academic goals.
In this guide, we will explore the rated secondary schools in Galway giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Take some time to have a look at the best schools in Ireland, to ensure that you have the best chances of success in your exams!
Understanding the Importance of the Leaving Cert Exam
If you are a student here in Ireland then you have likely already grown tired of the constant mention of the dreaded leaving certificate exam.
Since you will likely hear about the assessment from the moment you enter your school gates as a first-year student right up until the moment you put your pen down after your last exam, we must understand the reason for this emphasis.
Before we go any further, it is important that we recognise that the leaving cert exams are by no means the be-all and end-all of your education. There is in fact life after the leaving cert!
If it turns out that you didn't receive the results that you wanted in your exams or receive an offer for your dream course, there are plenty of other avenues to get where you want!
The leaving cert is of course important since it is the main entry point for secondary school students into third-level education. A strong leaving certificate result will ultimately give you a wide variety of options when it comes to selecting college courses.
The examinations hold immense significance in Ireland for their role in determining a student's eligibility for university admission and even influencing their career prospects.
This rigorous examination assesses a student's knowledge and critical thinking abilities across a range of subjects.
Now that we have more of an understanding of how helpful it can be to achieve high marks in your leaving cert exams, we can appreciate the importance of finding a secondary school that can best facilitate preparation.
If achieving top grades in your Leaving Cert exams is at the top of your priorities, then you should select a school from Limerick's rankings.
Top-Rated Secondary Schools in Galway
Galway is home to several top-rated secondary schools that consistently produce exceptional Leaving Certificate results. Schools such as Coláiste Iognáid, St. Joseph's College and Salerno Secondary School have established themselves as pillars of academic excellence.
These institutions provide a nurturing environment, highly qualified teachers and a wide range of extracurricular activities, ensuring holistic development for their students.
| Secondary School | Third-Level Placement Rate |
|---|---|
| Colaiste Ghobnait, Inisheer | 100% |
| Salerno Secondary School, Salthill | 98% |
| Colaiste na Coiribe, Knocknacarra | 98% |
| Colaiste Iognad “The Jes”, Sea Road | 95% |
| St Josephs College “The Bish”, Nuns Island | 93% |
| Presentation College, Athenry | 91% |
| Dominican College, Taylors Hill | 89% |
| Calasanctius College, Oranmore | 89% |
| Garbally College, Ballinasloe | 89% |
| Ardscoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe | 87% |
As we can see from the table, the range of the Third-Level Placement Rates is extremely promising. If you were to enrol in any of the above schools you would have a great likelihood of going on to study at third level.
Of course, a lot of work will be required and there are no shortcuts to achieving a high score in the leaving cert exams, though studying at one of these schools will make the process a hell of a lot easier.
Colaiste Ghobnait, Inisheer entices academic students with an expansive track record for success in the leaving cert across all core subjects.
Maths, Irish and English have long been cornerstones of schools's appeal with Irish taking a a bigger role in the learning experience of the students that study there.
The morning notices and teaching through the Irish language certainly seem to be effective seeing as the grades are far above the national average in both the written and oral assessment of the subject.
Salerno Secondary School, Salthill is also another attractive option for its consistent results in the state exams. The school is said to be one of the most accomplished feeder schools in the county contributing high-quality students to the country's leading universities each year.
It is also a more than suitable option if you have an interest in playing GAA while you are at school, as the school's teams have enjoyed much success over the years.
Colaiste na Coiribe, Knocknacarra is another Gaelscoil in Galway, Ireland. The school is administered by the Galway and Roscommon ETB.
There are about 550 students enrolled, making it the world's largest all-Irish language education institution.
Given that a sizable 40% of the Irish language assessment is attributed to the oral assessment, you are guaranteed to pick up easy marks in your leaving cert by studying at this school. You will also be well prepared for the remaining written component!
These schools have consistently held their place in the top ranks for a number of years. This means that you can rest assured that you will be putting your faith in capable hands as their experienced faculty will be able to guide you to where you want to go.
Securing success in the Leaving Certificate exams requires careful planning and preparation. Galway secondary schools offer comprehensive support systems including study groups, revision classes, and guidance counselling, to aid students in their exam preparation.
It is crucial for students to develop effective study habits, and time management skills, and utilise the resources provided by their schools to optimise their chances of achieving outstanding results.
As a leaving cert student, you will want to find a school that is within a certain proximity to your house, thankfully there are plenty of schools in Waterford to choose from.
Criteria to Consider When Selecting Secondary Schools in Galway
When it comes to selecting a secondary school in Galway, it is essential to consider various criteria to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Factors to consider include academic reputation, extracurricular activities, facilities, location and the overall ethos of the school.
It is also crucial to assess the school's track record in terms of Leaving Certificate results and the progression of students to higher education institutions.
Class sizes play a pivotal role in secondary education, influencing the quality of teaching and learning experiences. Smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention from teachers, fostering a conducive environment for student engagement and academic growth.
When selecting a secondary school in Galway, it is advisable to consider the average class size and evaluate how it aligns with your learning style and needs. Browse through the Best Schools in Cork and find learning options that cater for a wide variety of needs.
The school’s proximity is another important factor since you will be commuting to your classes each day. Selecting a school that is within a reasonable commuting distance will ensure that you can make it to school consistently with the allowance for the occasional disruption.
It will also give more time back to your schedule which certainly adds up over the course of the academic year!
The best secondary schools in Ireland aren't just great at teaching; they also create an environment that helps students develop a passion for learning and grow personally, even during Ireland school holidays.
Remember every student is different so even if a school has a ranking it might not be the fit for you, so make sure to take your time and visit the schools in person. Talk to teachers and students to get a sense of what the atmosphere is like.
This way you can make a decision that matches your goals and personal values.
In addition to the support provided by secondary schools, private tutors can play a vital role in supplementing a student's education. Private tutors offer personalised attention, tailored study plans and additional guidance to strengthen the understanding of challenging subjects.
They provide an opportunity for students to address specific areas of weakness and enhance their overall performance in the Leaving Certificate exams.
There are few decisions in life as impactful as selecting a secondary school to study at, make sure to consider the highest-performing schools in Dublin and find options that tick all of the boxes on your checklist!
Finding the Right Secondary School Level Tutor on Superprof
While you can choose the secondary school that you study at, you will not have the opportunity to select the teacher that teaches you a given subject. Though when it comes to selecting a private tutor you have complete control over this.
We all have had a teacher that we are not overly fond of and this is true even at the top-performing schools. In such case, we can take comfort in knowing that we can always supplement our learning with a tutor of our choice.
Superprof, a leading online platform connecting students with tutors offers a convenient and reliable way to find the right secondary school-level tutor in Galway.
Through Superprof, students and parents can refine their search based on specific criteria, such as subject expertise, teaching experience, and student reviews.
With a diverse pool of qualified tutors, Superprof ensures that students receive the necessary support to excel in their academic pursuits.
Choosing the right secondary school for your child's Leaving Certificate education is a decision that requires careful consideration.
By understanding the importance of Leaving Certificate exams, considering the criteria for selecting a school and exploring the top-rated institutions in Galway you can make an informed choice.
Remember, the role of class sizes, the support provided by schools and the option of private tutors are all factors that contribute to a student's overall success.
With the comprehensive guide provided, you are equipped to navigate the educational landscape in Galway and pave the way for your child's bright future.
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