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Special schools

Schools for pupils with special educational needs, which the Department of Education lists separately from mainstream primary schools. They include hospital schools, and pupils can be aged 4 to 18.

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Special schools in 2025/26
150
16 schools opened since 2019/20
Pupils
10,126
Up 25.5% since 2015/16, while mainstream schools fell 1.8%
Boys
67%
6,803 boys and 3,323 girls
Special classes in mainstream schools
2,626
In 1,317 schools. 2,980 allocated for 2026/27

Pupils in special schools since 2011/12

Up by 2,706 from 7,420 in 2011/12

Totals start in 2011/12, when special schools got their own list. School pages go back further. Why

By county

Special schools and their pupils in 2025/26, and the change since 2015/16, new schools included. Leitrim has no special school.
Dublin 55 3,127 +14%
Cork 19 1,155 +32%
Limerick 9 669 +20%
Louth 4 453 +34%
Tipperary 5 435 +19%
Galway 8 412 +47%
Kildare 6 391 +39%
Wexford 3 318 +36%
Kerry 3 296 +38%
Wicklow 4 295 −3%
Waterford 3 281 +35%
Donegal 2 274 +66%
Kilkenny 5 273 +13%
Clare 2 249 +54%
Meath 3 233 +15%
Westmeath 4 233 +40%
Cavan 1 182 +17%
Carlow 2 176 +9%
Mayo 4 172 +43%
Laois 2 170 +36%
Sligo 2 136 +68%
Roscommon 1 87 +135%
Longford 1 49 +82%
Offaly 1 42 +121%
Monaghan 1 18 No school in 2015/16

Every special school

150 schools with pupils in 2025/26, largest first. Teaching posts and special needs assistants (SNAs) are the NCSE's allocations for 2025/26; 21 schools are missing from them.

Every special school (CSV)
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Catherine MC Auley SP SLimerick · Roll 18692I Limerick Mild general learning disability 278
+16.8%
32 33
Cormaic Special SchoolCashel · Roll 19230V Tipperary Mild general learning disability 211
−4.5%
33 66
St Itas Special SchoolDrogheda · Roll 18936K Louth Mild general learning disability 207
+54.5%
27 30
Holy Family S SCootehill · Roll 19439B Cavan Moderate general learning disability 182
+16.7%
30 67
St Patricks Spec SchoolEnniscorthy · Roll 19240B Wexford Moderate general learning disability 166
+33.9%
27 56
St Michaels Spec SchoolDublin 20 · Roll 17971H Dublin Mild general learning disability 163
+5.2%
22 25
St Augustines SchoolBlackrock · Roll 18499O Dublin Mild general learning disability 157
−9.8%
22 32
Scoil AonghusaCashel · Roll 19615S Tipperary Moderate general learning disability 151
+81.9%
24 58.5
St Laserians Special SCCarlow · Roll 19315G Carlow Mild general learning disability 146
−2.0%
22 50
Little Angels Spec SCHLetterkenny · Roll 19724A Donegal Moderate general learning disability 145
+54.3%
26 64
Stewarts SchoolLucan · Roll 19032R Dublin Moderate general learning disability 145
+16.9%
25 70
Scoil EoinDublin 12 · Roll 19382V Dublin Mild general learning disability 142
+18.3%
22 17
St Annes S SEnnis · Roll 19414I Clare Mild general learning disability 142
+40.6%
22 40.99
St Ciarans Spec SCHDublin 11 · Roll 19325J Dublin Mild general learning disability 140
+0.7%
17 20
Holy Family School for the DeafDublin 7 · Roll 20495S Dublin School for deaf pupils 134 – 37 28.49
St Bernadettes Spec SCHMontenotte · Roll 18458A Cork Mild general learning disability 132
+8.2%
19 20
St Bernadette Spec SCHLetterkenny · Roll 19592J Donegal Mild general learning disability 129
+81.7%
16 26.5
St Itas & St Josephs NSTralee · Roll 19376D Kerry Mild general learning disability 127
+38.0%
17 34.83
St Ultans Special SCHNavan · Roll 19216E Meath Mild general learning disability 122
+4.3%
16 23.5
St Francis S SPortlaoise · Roll 19337Q Laois Mild general learning disability 121
+28.7%
19 33
Our Lady of Fatima SP SWexford · Roll 19266T Wexford Mild general learning disability 115
+5.5%
15 19
St Marys Special SCHDrumcar · Roll 19214A Louth Moderate general learning disability 111
+56.3%
18 43
St Marks Special SchoolNewbridge · Roll 19455W Kildare Mild general learning disability 109
+29.8%
15 23
St Clares Special SCHEnnis · Roll 19233E Clare Moderate general learning disability 107
+75.4%
18 37.83
St Killians Spec SCHCork · Roll 19410A Cork Specific learning disability 106
+53.6%
18 40
St Brighids Special SCHDundalk · Roll 18772G Louth Mild general learning disability 104
+1.0%
15 21
New Court SchoolBray · Roll 18408I Wicklow Mild general learning disability 100
+4.2%
19 33
St Martins Special SCHWaterford · Roll 19108B Waterford Moderate general learning disability 100
+42.9%
16 46.75
St Vincents SP SchoolLisnagry · Roll 19200M Limerick Moderate general learning disability 100
+1.0%
21 51.5
Catherine MC Auley N SCDublin 2 · Roll 19705T Dublin Specific learning disability 99
0.0%
11 4
Solas Hospital SchoolDublin 12 · Roll 18788V Dublin – 98
+50.8%
– –
An Taonad ReamhscoileBaile Atha Cliath 1 · Roll 19361N Dublin – 96
+5.5%
– –
Nano Nagle N SchoolListowel · Roll 19548G Kerry Moderate general learning disability 96
+33.3%
17 46
St Josephs Special SCHWaterford · Roll 19244J Waterford Mild general learning disability 96
+7.9%
13.6 23.41
St Raphaels Special SCHCelbridge · Roll 18988G Kildare Moderate general learning disability 96
+50.0%
16 48
St Brigids Spec SCHMullingar · Roll 19792R Westmeath Mild general learning disability 93
+8.1%
12 23
St. Cecilia's SchoolSligo · Roll 19206B Sligo Moderate general learning disability 93
+126.8%
17 41
St Paul's SchoolCork · Roll 19203S Cork Moderate general learning disability 92
−3.2%
16 45
St Patricks Spec SCHKilkenny · Roll 19383A Kilkenny Moderate general learning disability 91
+23.0%
17 37
St Catherines Special SchoolGreystones · Roll 19522L Wicklow Moderate general learning disability 89
−21.9%
15 45
Holy Family S SCharleville · Roll 19433M Cork Moderate general learning disability 87
−2.2%
17.6 42
Scoil Micheal NaofaCastlerea · Roll 19789F Roscommon Mild general learning disability 87
+135.1%
15 30.5
St John of God SP SCHDublin 8 · Roll 19151C Dublin Moderate general learning disability 86
0.0%
13 37
St Josephs Special SCHDublin 24 · Roll 19520H Dublin Mild general learning disability 86
0.0%
13 26
St Johns Special SCHDungarvan · Roll 19282R Waterford Mild general learning disability 85
+73.5%
16 36
St Marys Spec SCHRochestown · Roll 19759T Cork Mild general learning disability 85
+41.7%
13 23
School of the Holy Spirit Special SchoolKilkenny · Roll 19523N Kilkenny Emotional and behavioural difficulties 83
+7.8%
14 32
St Marys Special SchoolNavan · Roll 19560T Meath Moderate general learning disability 83
−2.4%
14 42
St Josephs Special SCHNewcastle · Roll 19047H Galway Moderate general learning disability 80
+11.1%
14 38
Central Remedial ClinicDublin 3 · Roll 18317F Dublin Physical disability 78
−22.0%
15 46.83
Lakeview SchoolGalway · Roll 19201O Galway Mild general learning disability 76
+61.7%
12 21
Mother of Fair Love Spec SchoolKilkenny · Roll 19210P Kilkenny Mild general learning disability 75
+44.2%
10 17
Rosedale SchoolGalway · Roll 20070J Galway Severe or profound general learning disability 75
+10.3%
13 37
St Annes Special SchoolThe Curragh · Roll 19277B Kildare Moderate general learning disability 74
−7.5%
13 39
St Francis Special SCHBeaufort · Roll 19547E Kerry Moderate general learning disability 73
+43.1%
13 36
Cara Junior SchoolCork · Roll 20354A Cork Autism 72
+20.0%
12 37
Scoil TriestGlanmire · Roll 19760E Cork Multiple disabilities 72
+1.4%
12 40
St Peters Special SCHDublin 6 · Roll 18904U Dublin Emotional and behavioural difficulties 70
+18.6%
12 17
Scoil MochuaDublin 22 · Roll 19590F Dublin Physical disability 69
+9.5%
11 36.5
St Anthonys Special SCCastlebar · Roll 19248R Mayo Mild general learning disability 69
+43.8%
9 20
Our Lady of Good Counsel NSCork · Roll 18208A Cork Moderate general learning disability 68
0.0%
11 27
Setanta Special SchoolStillorgan · Roll 20028K Dublin Autism 68
+17.2%
12 35
St Michaels Hse Spec SCDublin 18 · Roll 18671A Dublin Moderate general learning disability 68
+7.9%
11 36
St Vincents Home NSDublin 7 · Roll 19039I Dublin Moderate general learning disability 68
−2.9%
11 27
Hospital School CHI at Temple StreetDublin 1 · Roll 17890H Dublin – 66
+8.2%
– –
Rochestown Community Special SchoolCork City · Roll 20565N Cork Community special school 66 – 12 31
Scoil EannaCork · Roll 18586J Cork Mild general learning disability 66
−1.5%
9 16
St Gabriels SchoolLimerick · Roll 19603L Limerick Physical disability 64
+10.3%
10 27.25
St Michaels Hse Spec SCDublin 9 · Roll 18763F Dublin Moderate general learning disability 64
+14.3%
11 34
St Oliver Plunkett SP SCBlackrock · Roll 19499T Dublin Specific learning disability 63
0.0%
9 5
St Roses Special SchoolDublin 24 · Roll 20010O Dublin Specific learning disability 63
0.0%
7 3
Red Hill SchoolPatrickswell · Roll 20311F Limerick Autism 61
−18.7%
12 34.15
St Michael's House Special National School FoxfieldDublin 5 · Roll 20279M Dublin Autism 61
+90.6%
14 44
St Kierans Spec SchoolBray · Roll 19599A Wicklow – 59
+1.7%
– –
St Hildas SP SCHAthlone · Roll 19261J Westmeath Mild general learning disability 58
+52.6%
11 28
An Cosan CSSDublin 7 · Roll 20572K Dublin Community special school 56 – 11 38
St Michaels House Special SchoolDublin 13 · Roll 18210K Dublin Physical disability 56
+5.7%
11 39
ABACAS KilbarrackDublin 5 · Roll 20375I Dublin Autism 54
+28.6%
12 38.66
St Gabriels Special SchoolCork. · Roll 20074R Cork Severe or profound general learning disability 54
+42.1%
9 35
St Pauls Hospital Special SchoolDublin 9 · Roll 19316I Dublin Autism 54
0.0%
10 34.49
Ballyowen MeadowsStillorgan · Roll 19355S Dublin Autism 53
+35.9%
10 30.32
St Michaels Hse SP SCHDublin 5 · Roll 19373U Dublin Moderate general learning disability 52
−10.3%
9 25
Libermann Spiritan SchoolDublin 6 · Roll 20563J Dublin Community special school 51 – 11 43
Linn Dara SchoolsDublin 10 · Roll 19630O Dublin – 51
+155.0%
– –
Enable Ireland Sandymount SchoolDublin 4 · Roll 18370J Dublin Physical disability 49
0.0%
8 21.25
St Annes Special SCHRoscrea · Roll 19370O Tipperary Moderate general learning disability 49
+4.3%
9 22.5
St Christophers S SLongford · Roll 19429V Longford Moderate general learning disability 49
+81.5%
9.6 28
The Kolbe Special SchoolPortlaoise · Roll 20100P Laois Severe or profound general learning disability 49
+58.1%
8 32
Sonas Special Primary Junior SchoolArdnacloghy · Roll 20162O Cork Autism 48
+14.3%
8 23.15
St Josephs For Blind NSDublin 9 · Roll 18417J Dublin Blind or vision-impaired pupils 48
−9.4%
9 22
Carrigaline Community Special SchoolCarrigaline · Roll 20557O Cork Community special school 47 – 9 23
Limerick Community Special SchoolLimerick · Roll 20579B Limerick Community special school 47 – 10 25
Marino School N.S.Bray · Roll 18281K Wicklow Physical disability 47
+34.3%
9 20.66
St. Teresa's Special SchoolBallinalsoe · Roll 20328W Galway Severe or profound general learning disability 47
+213.3%
8 23
Sacred Heart SchoolMullingar · Roll 18534N Westmeath Moderate general learning disability 46
+170.6%
9 26
School of the Divine Child (Scoil an Linbh Íosa)Cork · Roll 18483W Cork Physical disability 46
+53.3%
8 20
Our Lady of Hope SchoolDublin 12 · Roll 20555K Dublin Community special school 45 – 9 26
Scoil AineGalway · Roll 19567K Galway – 45
+95.7%
– –
Mid West School For the DeafLimerick · Roll 19719H Limerick School for deaf pupils 44
+57.1%
9 14.33
The Childrens ArkLimerick · Roll 20234N Limerick – 44
+120.0%
– –
Danu Community Special SchoolDublin 15 · Roll 20548N Dublin Community special school 43 – 10 35
St Josephs Special SCHSligo · Roll 19340F Sligo Mild general learning disability 43
+7.5%
7 11
Offaly School of Special EducationTullamore · Roll 20099K Offaly Severe or profound general learning disability 42
+121.1%
7 25.5
Stepping Stones Special SchoolMaynooth · Roll 20379Q Kildare Autism 42
+40.0%
8.4 33
Craddockstown SchoolKildare · Roll 20581L Kildare Community special school 40 – 7 23
St Brids Special SCHCastlebar · Roll 19375B Mayo Moderate general learning disability 40
+122.2%
7 18
St. Oliver's Child Education and Development CentreTuam · Roll 20330J Galway Severe or profound general learning disability 40
+66.7%
8 17.66
Carmona Special National SchoolDun Laoghaire · Roll 20121A Dublin Severe or profound general learning disability 37
+5.7%
9.6 24
Gorey Hill SchoolGorey · Roll 20580J Wexford Community special school 37 – 7 16
Saplings Special SchoolMullingar · Roll 20373E Westmeath Autism 36
+44.0%
6 22
Scoil AislinnCork · Roll 20331L Cork Autism 36
+2.9%
7 22
Benincasa Special SchoolBlackrock · Roll 18863J Dublin Emotional and behavioural difficulties 35
−14.6%
8 20
St Declans Special SCHDublin 4 · Roll 18569J Dublin Emotional and behavioural difficulties 35
−16.7%
6 12
St Dympnas Spec SchoolBallina · Roll 19387I Mayo Mild general learning disability 33
+3.1%
6 13
East Cork Community Special SchoolCarrigtwohill · Roll 20574O Cork Community special school 32 – 8 19
ABACAS SchoolDrogheda · Roll 20374G Louth Autism 31
+3.3%
7 23
Casa Caterina S SDublin 7 · Roll 19409P Dublin Emotional and behavioural difficulties 31
−11.4%
6 16
ABACAS Special School for Children with AutismDublin 24 · Roll 20378O Dublin Autism 30
+87.5%
7 25
Saplings Carlow Special SchoolCarlow · Roll 20370V Carlow Autism 30
+150.0%
5 17.5
Saplings Special SchoolDublin 16 · Roll 20372C Dublin Autism 30
+42.9%
6 25
Saplings Special SchoolKill · Roll 20376K Kildare Autism 30
+30.4%
5 24
St Michaels Spec SCHSkerries · Roll 19757P Dublin Moderate general learning disability 30
0.0%
6 20
St Nicholas Spec SCHBallina · Roll 19773N Mayo Moderate general learning disability 30
+36.4%
6 16
Ábalta Special SchoolGalway · Roll 20371A Galway Autism 30
+66.7%
5 18
Cheeverstown SP SCHDublin 6w · Roll 20053J Dublin Severe or profound general learning disability 29
+26.1%
7 21
Red Door Special SchoolMonkstown · Roll 20381D Dublin Autism 29
+141.7%
6 24.5
Cara Community Special SchoolMeath · Roll 20578W Meath Community special school 28 – 7 15
St Augustines Spec SCHLimerick · Roll 19587Q Limerick – 24
0.0%
– –
Henrietta Street SchoolDublin 1 · Roll 20021T Dublin – 20
+11.1%
– –
North Cork Community Special SchoolCork · Roll 20597D Cork – 19 – 4 8
Scoil Speisialta Tigh Nan DooleyAn Cheathrú Rua · Roll 20329B Galway Severe or profound general learning disability 19
+46.2%
4 8.66
Monaghan Community Special SchoolCastleblayney · Roll 20598F Monaghan – 18 – 5 9
Cork University Hos SchoolCork · Roll 20119N Cork – 17
−5.6%
– –
Phoenix Park Specialist SchoolPhoenix Park · Roll 19500B Dublin Emotional and behavioural difficulties 17
−5.6%
3 6
Belmayne Community Special SchoolDonaghmede · Roll 20596B Dublin – 16 – 5 10
Lucan Community Special SchoolLucan · Roll 20595W Dublin – 15 – 5 10
St L O Tooles 2 SpecDublin 1 · Roll 19819L Dublin – 14
−39.1%
– –
Youth Encounter ProjectDublin 11 · Roll 19594N Dublin – 14
−36.4%
– –
Coláiste Shliabh na mBanClonmel · Roll 19687U Tipperary – 12
−14.3%
– –
Jonah Special SchoolSlieverue · Roll 20380B Kilkenny Autism 12
+9.1%
2 7
Nenagh Community Special SchoolNenagh · Roll 20594U Tipperary – 12 – 2 4
Saplings Special SchoolGoresbridge · Roll 20377M Kilkenny Autism 12
0.0%
2 9
St Joseph's Adolescent SchoolDublin 3 · Roll 20153N Dublin – 11
−47.6%
– –
The Adelaide and Meath HospitalDublin 24 · Roll 19207D Dublin – 11
−15.4%
– –
St Kevins SchoolCork · Roll 19788D Cork – 10
−16.7%
– –
Beaumont Hospital Special SchoolDublin 9 · Roll 20154P Dublin – 9
−30.8%
– –
Ballydowd High Support Special SchoolPalmerstown · Roll 20390E Dublin – 7
−22.2%
– –
St Canices Special SchoolMulgrave St · Roll 20117J Limerick – 7
−53.3%
– –
Our Lady of Lourdes SchoolDun Laoghaire · Roll 18815V Dublin – 6
+20.0%
– –
Crannog Nua Special SchoolPortrane · Roll 20136N Dublin – 5
−50.0%
– –

Designations are the need the NCSE lists each school as set up for, from its August 2024 list; 26 schools newer or not on that list have none. Many special schools now take pupils with a wider range of needs. Known data issues

Special school or special class?

Special classes

Small classes inside a mainstream school, usually for one need, most often autism. Pupils are part of the school and can join mainstream classes for parts of the day. 1,317 mainstream primary schools had 2,626 special classes in 2025/26. Find schools with special classes

Special schools

Separate schools for pupils with more complex needs, with small classes and more support. They're fewer and further apart, and take pupils up to 18.

Getting a place

A place in either usually needs a professional report. The NCSE's special educational needs organisers (SENOs) help families find one, and each school decides its own enrolments.