(Ireland) Wicklow: Autism school for 36 to open
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Families in north Wicklow waiting for additional special school places have been given a welcome update, with refurbishment works now underway at the new Edel Quinn School in Bray and the enrolment process officially opened.
The new special school, which was announced in April, but was shrouded in mystery regarding intake and enrolment, will be located at St Fergal’s National School, on Boghall Road, and is expected to open in time for the 2026-27 school year. It will cater for children and young people aged between four and 18 with autism and complex educational needs.
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady and Bray Sinn Féin councillor John Ward have both welcomed the latest news, describing it as an important step forward for families who have faced years of uncertainty due to a shortage of special school places in the county.
The school will offer a total of 36 places across six classes. Some 12 places will be available for children aged four to eight, a further 12 for those aged eight to 12, six places for children aged 12 to 15 and six places for those aged 15 to 17.
Applications for enrolment are now being accepted, with a closing date of Tuesday, August 25.
Deputy Brady said the development has brought much-needed clarity for families who have been seeking information since the school was first announced.
“This school was announced in April and ever since, I have been inundated with parents, as well as Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), seeking information and clarity,” he said. “I am pleased that we are now seeing real progress, with refurbishment works underway and the enrolment process having begun.”
He said the demand for places has pointed to the real need for expanded special education provision in the county. . . .
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