Minister McEntee and Minister Moynihan announce 399 new special classes for 2025/26 School Year
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 11 April 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, and the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, have today (Friday, 11 April) confirmed 399 new special classes for the 2025/2026 school year. This announcement marks a key step in the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting children with special educational needs and ensuring earlier planning and clarity for families across Ireland.
Minister McEntee said:
“I am happy to confirm that 399 new special education classes have been sanctioned for the coming school year.
“This will create spaces for 2,700 new children in special education classes for the upcoming school term. The natural movement of children between classes will also free up 1,200 spaces, meaning that there will be nearly 4,000 available spaces for children in special education classes next term.
“The majority of these places will be for children with autism, ensuring that these children have access to the high quality education they deserve.
“The sanctioning of these new special education classes has happened many months earlier this year, which gives both schools and parents more time to prepare. I urge all schools to now begin admitting students into these new classes to give certainty to parents and, above all, the children.
“I want to sincerely thank the schools, school leaders, boards and patrons that have been involved in the opening of these classes.
“Despite intensive engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the identification of available accommodation, one school has not confirmed that they will open additional special classes from September.
“If no progress is made, next week I will begin the process to compel this school to open new special education classes.
“Children with additional needs who need and deserve a school place are at the heart of these decisions, and I firmly believe that this is in their best interest.
“Work is already underway in planning new classes for September 2026, in order to give parents and schools even earlier clarity. This will also ensure that there are sufficient spaces in every area.”
Minister Moynihan said:
“This is a very positive day for special education, with 399 new special classes confirmed across primary and post- primary schools — providing thousands of additional places for children with additional needs.
"These new classes represent not just numbers, but opportunities—opportunities for inclusion, for learning, and for children to thrive in settings that meet their individual needs.
"I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), Team Managers, and the entire team at the NCSE, who have worked closely with schools to identify, plan, and secure these places earlier than ever before.
"We are making real progress, but we are also aware of areas where further provision is urgently needed. We are committed to acting swiftly and effectively to meet those needs, ensuring that no child is left without a suitable place.”
Notes
New special classes are being sanctioned in every county. The 399 new classes sanctioned includes 287 primary special classes and 112 post-primary special classes.
The Department of Education issued Circular Letter 0080/2024 in October 2024 which set out a range of new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. In particular, more streamlined arrangements were provided for in relation to the repurposing of existing school accommodation to provide special classes.
The NCSE, through an increased number of SENOs and Team Managers conducted just over 1,700 school visits in the early months of this school year. These visits were critical in determining what schools would open new special classes for the coming school year.
At primary level, a school is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs for each new special class. At post-primary level 1.5 teaching posts and 2 SNAs are provided.
In addition, enhanced capitation for schools and dedicated school transport support is available for children taking up these new special class places.
Dedicated training, guidance and supports are available from the NCSE for all schools opening new special classes. Additional advisors have been recruited by the NCSE.
The Department of Education and the NCSE are meeting with school patron bodies and school management bodies on 11 April to commence forward planning for special education provision for the 2026/2027 school year.