New Tipperary special school confirms number of available places among other details

The highly anticipated Nenagh Community Special School (CSS), set to be located on Church Road, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, is a Special School providing an appropriate education for students, aged 4 to 18 years old, who have a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs or complex learning needs, with a professional recommendation for a Special School who require the support of a Special School setting.

The school which is under the patronage of Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) has confirmed a number of details this week around how a child will qualify for enrolment in the new school.

To be enrolled in the school a student must have reached 4 years on or before 31 August of the school academic year for which they seek enrolment. To facilitate this age band, the range of classes extend from primary to post primary and are based on relevant and appropriate peer groupings and the individual needs of each child.

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As per the Department of Education regulations, students will leave school at the end of the school year in which they reach the age of 18 years old.

The school operates within the regulations as outlined by the Rules for National Schools and relevant circulars and directives issued by the Primary/Special Education sections of the Department of Education. The school is funded by grants from the Department of Education. Staffing allocations are in line with those set out by the Department of Education.

Under the direction of Tipperary ETB, the school is managed on an interim basis by a Single Manager pending the appointment of a Board of Management. The Board of Management will be made up of representatives of Tipperary ETB, parents, school staff and the community.

Nenagh Community Special School delivers the curriculum as prescribed by the Department of Education and adapted to meet the educational needs of each student. A variety of methodologies and strategies are adopted to maximise the students’ learning potential. Supported by the child’s multidisciplinary team, the teachers and staff provide a caring and challenging learning environment which fosters personal, social and academic development. All students have an Individual Educational Plan designed specifically for them.

12 places are available in Nenagh Community Special School for 2025/26. Applications for admission are being accepted as of Wednesday, 16 April 2025. The Admission Policy, Admission Notice and Application Form are available below or on request from nenaghcss@tipperaryetb.ie .

Please note that all applications will require evidence as set out in the Admissions Policy that the applicant is eligible for a place in Nenagh Community Special School which are listed below and proof of residence (including Eircode). Intending applicants should read the current admission policy for details of evidence required. I.e. the type and dates of reports.