By Oscar Lawlor Plazas

Today’s episode dives into a topic that is relevant to many people, but often goes under the radar—taking the Leaving Certificate outside of the traditional school setting. 

Did you know that every year, around 5 to 10% of the 60,000 students sitting the Leaving Cert in Ireland are adult learners or external candidates? That means approximately 3,000 to 6,000 people are taking these important exams after leaving the conventional school system. Many do it through alternative pathways, like the Back to Education Initiative or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, but some, like our guest today, are navigating this journey independently. 

Joining me is Séamus O’ Riordan, a 19-year-old who has decided to take on the Leaving Cert outside of school. We’ll be hearing about his motivations, the challenges he’s faced, and his unique perspective on preparing for such a significant exam without the traditional classroom structure.