Student advice helpline flooded with calls after CAO offers

The National Parents Council advice helpline said it is being inundated with calls from students and their parents.

Almost 50,000 students who sat the Leaving Cert in June received their first round college offers from the CAO today.

Points for science, engineering, technology and business courses are up, while teaching and nursing courses are down.

Jackie O'Callaghan from the National Parents Council is urging students who didn't get what the wanted not to panic

"There are so many options out there for them," she said, citing the next two rounds of CAO offers and vacant places on courses.

"If you ring somebody who really knows what they're talking about today, they will be able to guide you through what is best for you, based on the information you give them."

The helpline can be contacted on freephone - 1800 265 165.