Trinity welcomes 25 fifth-year students to Computer Science Hedge School
Posted on: 27 August 2026
The Computer Science Hedge School is a free, two-year programme that offers second-level students from DEIS schools the chance to study Leaving Certificate Computer Science if their school does not provide the subject.
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This week, the Computer Science Hedge School at Trinity is welcoming 25 new fifth year students to study Leaving Certificate Computer Science.
In a collaboration between the Trinity Access Programmes and the School of Computer Science and Statistics, the Computer Science Hedge School is a free, two-year programme that offers second-level students from DEIS schools the chance to study Leaving Certificate Computer Science if their school does not provide the subject.
Since its introduction in 2018, schools have found it difficult to provide Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject, due to a lack of qualified teachers. Schools serving disadvantaged communities find this issue further compounded by difficulties in securing the appropriate resources to deliver the subject, such as computers and other technology. Without intervention, the lack of Computer Science options in DEIS schools is set to further exacerbate the socio-economic digital divide. Trinity is seeking to address the issue with its introduction last year of the new Computer Science Hedge School.
During the programme, which is funded by a philanthropic donation from Google.org, classes take place both online and in person, on campus at Trinity.
This new fifth year cohort joins the first intake of the Hedge School, who commenced the programme last year. All of this first intake of students have successfully completed fifth year (Year 1) of the Hedge School. Those 18 students are now starting sixth year and will sit their Leaving Cert exams in May 2027. All of the students are taking Leaving Certificate Computer Science as an additional subject outside of school hours. Nearly 170 students applied for the "Class of 2028" programme, an increase on the more than 140 who applied last year.
Jennifer Murphy, Schools Outreach Manager and Coordinator of the Computer Science Hedge School Programme, said: “I am thrilled to welcome the 25 new students to the Computer Science Hedge School programme this year. The large number of applications for this programme indicates that there is great demand among senior cycle students for provision of Computer Science in schools. Ultimately, we hope that programmes such as the Hedge School will not be necessary as more schools become able to provide the subject in-house. Until then, it is a pleasure to work with such an amazing group. Both the incoming 5th years and the current 6th years are an exceptional group of students who show great dedication and motivation in their engagement with Computer Science”.
Wendy Crampton, Director, Trinity Access Programmes, said: “Access to STEM subjects such as Computer Science is so important for young students and should not depend on the school a student attends. Through our new Computer Science Hedge School, we are working with our partners to ensure more students can study this vital subject and build the skills they need for the future."
*Image shows last year's cohort, after their summer exam.