Written answer
School Admissions
A nationwide post-primary application system is being developed, with Dublin 15’s inclusion to be considered after pilot evaluations; its autism-class application trial is expanding.
139. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the post-primary common application process can be extended to Dublin 15. [74650/26]
Comment on this
Demographic shifts and increasing demand for both mainstream and special class provision for students with special educational needs have placed growing pressure on school admissions processes across the country. Complexities in the admissions process can cause unnecessary stress for families and place a significant administrative burden on school.
In response to these challenges and a commitment in the Programme for Government, my department is working towards the introduction of a nationwide common application system.
Building on the success of the initial pilot Apply to School scheme launched in October 2025, the current scheme has been extended from October 2026 to 22 post-primary schools across ten school planning areas, namely Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, Kilbeggan, Kilcoole, Maynooth, Oranmore, Rosscarbery and Tullamore-Killina.
While applications are still ongoing, the feedback from applicants to date has been overwhelmingly positive with a current user effort score of 95%. The expanded scheme has also targeted enhanced functionality to assist schools in managing their applications and admissions process. Following completion of this process, detailed post-project evaluations will be undertaken with participating schools and this combined with applicant feedback will inform further development of the system.
The experience and feedback gathered through the pilot Apply to School scheme will inform decisions regarding further expansion into additional school planning areas including Dublin 15. I can assure the Deputy that my department will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders as this work progresses.
The Deputy may be aware that the Dublin 15 Autism Class Application Trial (ACAT) was established as a school-led initiative, in partnership with the NCSE, to provide a more transparent and equitable admissions process for autism classes. Following a successful initial trial involving 13 schools in 2024/25, which reduced the burden on families while preserving school autonomy, the initiative expanded to 17 schools for the 2026/27 admissions cycle. An online application platform has also been introduced, with further work ongoing to refine the process and improve the experience for families and schools.