Marie Mattimoe
Programme Development Manager, National Tertiary Office
New Tertiary pathway will diversify future primary teaching pipeline through an innovative foundation year linking FET and higher education.
Ireland’s goal to attract high-quality candidates from a diversity of backgrounds to the teaching profession is recognised in national policy on long-term workforce sustainability.
New tertiary route into primary teaching
Traditional routes into Initial Teacher Education (ITE) have served many students well, but they have not always worked for those who experience barriers linked to socio-economic, geographical or educational disadvantage, disability, caring responsibilities or non-traditional educational pathways.
The new Tertiary Pathway to Primary Teaching responds directly to these challenges by offering a structured, supported route into a Bachelor of Education (Primary). It is designed as a five-year pathway beginning in Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) or Limerick and Clare ETB, with progression opportunities into Mary Immaculate College for students who meet defined academic progression requirements.
The approach aligns with a growing national emphasis on tertiary-style progression pathways, strengthening structured routes from Further Education and Training (FET) into higher education (HE) through coordinated programme design, delivery and student supports.
Innovation through collaboration
A central feature of the pathway is the partnership model underpinning it. The programme is co-designed in collaboration with key HE providers of initial teacher education and ETBs across Ireland. It is delivered by ETBs in collaboration with higher education partners, ensuring that the pathway is academically rigorous and aligned to progression expectations.
This collaboration supports consistent standards in areas such as student readiness, academic integrity, study skills and structured reflective practice. It also supports early student engagement with higher education expectations, while benefiting from the structured supports that are characteristic of FET delivery.
This additional route represents a strategically designed pathway where FET and HE function as connected parts of a single student journey with seamless progression built into the pathway from the outset.
A teaching workforce that reflects the diversity of society strengthens inclusion, broadens perspectives and better represents the communities that education serves
Building readiness and confidence
This tertiary pathway begins with a foundation year that provides students with an opportunity to strengthen key competencies essential for success in ITE, including communication, teamwork, Irish and English language development, numeracy and digital skills. Students are supported to become increasingly independent and self-directed while learning within a structured environment that scaffolds academic development and confidence.
The foundation year includes academic and practical learning experiences designed to support progression readiness and informed decision-making. These include structured group work, oral communication tasks, immersive language experiences and observation placements in education settings.
The emphasis on readiness and confidence building is aligned with evidence that transition into HE is not solely dependent on academic attainment, but also on students’ ability to navigate learning environments, manage workload, communicate effectively and engage with feedback.
Supporting progression and diversification
Diversifying the teaching profession is viewed as an important priority for the education system. A teaching workforce that reflects the diversity of society strengthens inclusion, broadens perspectives and better represents the communities that education serves.
This programme supports that goal by prioritising prospective students who may not have previously seen primary teaching as an achievable pathway. It recognises that potential is not always captured by traditional routes alone and that talent exists across a wide range of communities and life circumstances.
The foundation year also ensures that students who do not progress into the Bachelor of Education (Primary) still achieve a full National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 QQI Major Award, providing a recognised qualification with progression value into other higher education programmes, further training opportunities or employment.
As Ireland continues to implement policy focused on widening participation, diversity and strengthened tertiary structures, the Tertiary Pathway to Primary Teaching demonstrates what is possible when FET and HE work together in a coordinated way. It offers a practical example of how collaboration across sectors can create new opportunities for students, while strengthening long-term capacity within the education system. This pathway is one of the 78 Tertiary Pathways available to students for applications in 2026 on www.nto.ie.
