Admissions to Special Classes

Timeline

Admissions Process Indicative Timeline 2025/26: 

June 2025/August 2025: Review of Admissions Policy – BOM Meeting to discuss any necessary changes to the school’s admissions policy. The amended policy must be forwarded to the Patrons for approval. (Inclusion of NCSE Approval Letter requirement) 

Week of 15th September 2025: BOM Meeting following approval by Patrons of Admission Policy: On approval by the Patron the new school admission policy must be published by the school.

23rd September 2025: Annual Admission Notice: This notice must be published a minimum of 1 week prior to a school accepting applications for admission.

1st October 2025: Applications Process: Boards of management cannot accept applications prior to the 1st of October in the year preceding the intake year.

ACCS Info Bulletin 13/25

ACCS Info Bulletin 13/25 details the approach and key measures to support the Forward Planning for special education provision for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond.

Circular 39/25

Circular 39/25 details the Approach and key measures to support the Forward Planning for Special Education Provision for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond

Further to Circular 39/25 a Guidance Note was issued, following on from the publication of the Department of Education and Youths Inspectorate Report Supporting all children and young people to access an appropriate education: A review of the admission policies of primary and post-primary special classes for autistic children and young people.

This information note provides additional information to ensure compliance with the requirements of the inspectorate report and circular letter 0039/2025 and must be applied by patron bodies, boards of management, and all mainstream schools with special classes and special schools.