The School of Computer Science and Statistics (SCSS) with Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) offers a Computer Science Hedge School programme, offering secondary school students the opportunity to study Leaving Certificate Computer Science where their school does not provide the subject.
The initiative is designed to address a persistent gap in access to computer science education across Ireland, particularly for students in schools where the subject is not currently available.
Each year, a cohort of students will take part in the two-year Leaving Certificate Computer Science course through a combination of evening classes, weekend sessions, and intensive camps during school holidays. The programme blends in-person and online learning, alongside project work and revision support.
The Hedge School specifically targets students whose schools do not offer Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject. Applicants must be entering 5th year in the 2026–2027 academic year and meet the programme’s eligibility criteria. Students applying from DEIS schools and schools in areas with low progression to 3rd level will be prioritised, but places are open to all students who do not have the option to study Leaving Cert Computer Science in their school.
Participation in the programme is free of charge, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for students interested in developing digital and computational skills.
By enabling students to study Computer Science outside the traditional school setting, the programme creates new pathways for those who might otherwise miss out on the subject.
The Hedge School forms part of SCSS’s broader work to expand access to STEM education and support the development of digital skills among second-level students.
Through this initiative, students gain not only subject knowledge but also exposure to university-level learning environments and teaching approaches, helping to build confidence and ambition for further study in the field.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026–2027 intake are now open, with a deadline of mid-April 2026. Students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply online.