Funding FindMyCollegeCourse Through the Schoolbooks Scheme

Many schools are now using the Free Schoolbooks Scheme to purchase digital classroom resources that support teaching and learning.

Guidance counsellors often ask:

“Can FindMyCollegeCourse be covered under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme?”

The short answer is Yes.

Department of Education guidance states that schools may use funding for digital media support which relates to teaching and learning within curricular requirements.

Because FindMyCollegeCourse is a digital classroom resource used within guidance classes, it fits within this framework.

In the Programme Recognition Framework: Guidance Counselling 2016, it states guidance counsellors as part of their curriculum should be: using psychometric tests (i.e. ability and aptitude tests and career interest inventories) to facilitate career decision making and personal development and to support learning and educational choices.

What is FindMyCollegeCourse?

FindMyCollegeCourse is an online course interest assessment designed specifically for Irish secondary school students exploring their CAO options.

Students complete a short online assessment which helps them:

• Discover degree courses aligned with their interests

• Explore subject choice for the Leaving Cert

• Identify CAO options they may not have previously considered

• Reflect on possible education and career pathways

How Schools Use FindMyCollegeCourse

Schools typically use FindMyCollegeCourse within their guidance programme.

Common uses include:

Transition Year
Students explore subject choice for the Leaving Cert.

5th Year
Students begin exploring CAO options and course areas aligned with their interests.

6th Year
Students refine course choices and prepare for final CAO decisions.

Because the assessment is completed during guidance classes or structured guidance sessions, it forms part of the school’s teaching and learning programme.

Supporting Guidance Counsellors

FindMyCollegeCourse also includes a teacher dashboard designed to support guidance counsellors in their work.

The dashboard provides an overview of student interest areas and course preferences across a class or year group.

This can be particularly useful for:

• Parent–teacher meetings

• Student reporting

• School self-evaluation

• Whole School Guidance planning

Having a clear overview of student interests can help guidance counsellors support students more effectively and identify trends within a year group.

Free Schoolbooks Scheme Funding (2025–2026)

Example Funding Justification

Guidance counsellors requesting approval from school leadership may find the following wording helpful:

Under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, schools may use funding for digital media support which relates to teaching and learning within curricular requirements.

FindMyCollegeCourse is an online classroom resource used within guidance classes to support students exploring CAO courses and education pathways. It can therefore be considered a digital learning resource within the school’s guidance programme.