September 2018 will see the introduction of computer science into the Leaving Certificate curriculum.

Over 40 schools throughout Ireland will be offering the subject to their 5th year students - with the first computer science exam set for 2020. The subject will focus on coding, programming and how computing technology impacts the world. The chosen schools range from all over Ireland with the majority in Dublin and seven in Cork. Education Minister, Richard Burton spoke on this new addition saying:

“There is a digital revolution taking place, which is having a transformative effect on our economy, workplace, and lifestyle. In order to be the best in Europe, our education system must respond to these changes." “The introduction of this new subject will teach our young people flexible, solution-oriented thinking. It will teach them to be creative, adaptable learners."

The end of year exam will be 70% computer based and 30% coursework.

The 40 schools chosen to offer this subject from next September include:

Abbey Vocational School - The Glebe, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal Adamstown Community College -Station Rd, Adamstown, Co. Dublin Breifne College - Cootehill Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan Bush Post Primary - Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth Carrigaline Community School - Waterpark, Carrigaline, Co. Cork Castleblayeny College - Dublin Road, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan Christ King Girls Secondary School -Half Moon Lane, South Douglas Road, Cork Clongowes Wood College - Clane, Co. Kildare Coláiste an Chraoibhin - Duntaheen Road, Fermoy, Co. Cork Coláiste Bríde - New Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Coláiste Chiaráin - Croom, Co. Limerick Coláiste Choilm - Ballincollig, Co. Cork Coláiste Mhuire - Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Coláiste na Ríochta - Listowel, Co. Kerry Colaiste Phadraig - Roselawn, Lucan, Co. Dublin Coláiste Pobail Setanta - Phibblestown CC, Phibblestown, Dublin 15 Creagh College - Carnew Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford Dominican College Sion Hill - Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin Ennistymon Vocational School - Ennistymon, Ennis, Co. Clare Gaelcholaiste Mhuire AG - An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh Le Chéile Secondary School - Hollystown Road, Tyrellstown, Dublin 15 Loreto College Swords - Swords, Co. Dublin Luttrellstown Community College - Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Mayfield Community School - Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork Moate Community School - Church Street, Moate, Co. Westmeath Mount Sion CBS - Barrack Street, Waterford Mount Temple Comprehensive - Malahide Road, Dublin 3 Presentation Secondary school - Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Rice College - Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo Sacred Heart Secondary School - Convent of Mercy, Clonakilty, Co. Cork Saint Eunan's College - Letterkenny, Co. Donegal St Aidan's Comprehensive School - Cootehill, Co. Cavan St Brigids Mercy Secondary School Tuam - Convent Of Mercy, Tuam, Co. Galway St Joseph's Secondary School - Convent Lane, Rush, Co. Dublin St Mary's CBS - Millpark Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford St Vincent's Secondary School - Seatown Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth St. Finian's Community College, Swords - Swords, Co. Dublin Stratford College - 1 Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6 Synge St CBS - Synge St., Dublin 8 Terenure College - Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W