Admissions to Special Classes
Timeline
Admissions Process Indicative Timeline 2025/26:
Circular 53/26
The purpose of Circular 53/26 is to acknowledge the ongoing work across schools in managing their admissions processes, to request schools to make all necessary preparations to ensure the admissions process for the 2027/2028 school year is commenced as early as possible in October 2026 and to inform and remind schools of the steps being taken by the Department to assist the smooth running of the admissions process for first year student enrolments.
Circular 63/26
This Circular Letter replaces Circular Letter 0039/2025 specifically in respect of the operation of the NCSE Parents Notify process in regard to the 2027/2028 school year. The Parents Notify process provides the NCSE and the Department with the information for the potential need for specialist placements in working with schools to forward plan for special education provision
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 Youth’s 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.
The annual review of Admissions Policies by the Inspectorate – most recent report
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.
Board Guidance When Reviewing the School Admissions Policy
This checklist is intended to support Boards of Management in reviewing the school admissions policy, admissions notice and related procedures. It should be used to confirm that the policy is lawful, transparent, locally responsive and aligned with current Department of Education and Youth and NCSE requirements.
Changes required to schools admissions policies
The Department of Education wishes to bring to the attention of school authorities changes that are required to the schools Admissions Statement following the commencement of the Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Act 2022.
The template Draft Letter seeking Patron’s approval for amending school’s admission policy (appendix A) is attached here