Joining our School
Thank you for considering Saint Augustine’s School for your child.
St. Augustine’s is a co-educational, special school for students, aged 7-18, with Mild General Learning Disabilities (MGLD). We also cater for students with Moderate General Learning Disabilities, if their independent living skills are at a high level.
Full details on how to apply for a place at our school are detailed below:
School Tour:
Our next school tour will take place on Thursday, 8th February 2024, at 11.15am. If you are interested in attending our next school tour, please click here to complete our online booking form.
2024-2025 Enrolment Applications:
Applications for enrolment to academic year 2024-2025 will open on 2nd October 2023 and will remain open until 1st March 2024.
SUMMARY ENROLMENT APPLICATION PROCESS 2024-2025: (Please click here to open a printable one page Enrolment Process Summary document)
Before making your application you should review the following 3 important documents:
- Please review our Admissions Policy. Click here to open.
- Please review our Admissions Notice. (This document is updated each year and shows all relevant dates and timelines for the admissions process and lists the number of places available in each age category, the majority of which are at Primary Level). Please click here to open.
- Pease review our school Code Of Behaviour Policy. click here to open.
Once you have reviewed the above documents, you should complete the following:
- Complete your Enrolment Application Form. Click here to open
- Include all required additional documentation detailed in checklist below.
- Send your Application Form and all required documentation for the attention of Saint Augustine’s School Board of Management, Saint Augustine’s School, Obelisk Park, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
- Your application MUST be posted in by registered post. (Applications sent by standard post will not be accepted)
- Applications that do not include all required documentation detailed in checklist below will not be accepted.
These documents can also be found on our Policies Page. Please click here to open.
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM (BY REGISTERED POST ONLY):
- Copy of child’s Birth Cert
- Proof of Address
- Signed GDPR Consent
- Most recent school report
- Psychological Report (Include any other reports to be read in conjunction with Psychological Report
The Psychological Report should:
- Include an assessment of cognitive ability and clearly show the Full Scale IQ score (Using a test suitable to the student’s profile)
- The Full Scale IQ score should be in the Mild/High Moderate Range with an IQ of 40-70 OR
- The Full Scale IQ score in the Mild Range with an IQ of 50 – 70. (Mild only for students with an additional diagnosis of Autism)
- Be dated within 2 years of application date
- Specifically recommend a special school placement
- Make reference to the need of an SNA and/or Bus Escort if deemed necessary
- Reference any Assistive Technology recommended
- Recommend any Occupational Therapy supports e.g. Chair
- Reference any hearing, visual, speech and language interventions
2023-2024 Enrolment Applications:
Applications for enrolment for entry to year 2023-2024 are now closed. We are currently oversubscribed for places, but if you wish to be placed on our waiting list, for entry to year 2023-2024, please make an application in line with the Summary Enrolment Application Process information for 2023-2024 below.
Please note, your child’s name will only remain on our waiting list for the duration of academic year 2023-2024 only. Your application will not carry forward to the following academic year. Should you wish to make an application for entry to year 2024-2025, you will need to reapply during the enrolment period 2nd October 2023 to 1st March 2024, and in line with the enrolment application process above.
SUMMARY ENROLMENT APPLICATION PROCESS 2023 – 2024
Before making your application you should review the following 3 important documents:
- Please review our Admissions Policy. Click here to open.
- Please review our Admissions Notice. (This document is updated each year and shows all relevant dates and timelines for the admissions process and lists the number of places available in each age category, the majority of which are at Primary Level). Please click here to open.
- Pease review our school Code Of Behaviour Policy. click here to open.
Once you have reviewed the above documents, you should complete the following:
- Complete your Enrolment Application Form. Click here to open
- Include all required additional documentation detailed in checklist below.
- Send your Application Form and all required documentation for the attention of Saint Augustine’s School Board of Management, Saint Augustine’s School, Obelisk Park, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
- Your application MUST be posted in by registered post. (Applications sent by standard post will not be accepted)
- Applications that do not include all required documentation detailed in checklist below will not be accepted.
These documents can also be found on our Policies Page. Please click here to open.
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM (BY REGISTERED POST ONLY):
- Copy of child’s Birth Cert
- Proof of Address
- Signed GDPR Consent
- Most recent school report
- Psychological Report (Include any other reports to be read in conjunction with Psychological Report
The Psychological Report should:
- Include an assessment of cognitive ability and clearly show the Full Scale IQ score (Using a test suitable to the student’s profile)
- The Full Scale IQ score should be in the Mild/High Moderate Range with an IQ of 40-70 OR
- The Full Scale IQ score in the Mild Range with an IQ of 50 – 70. (Mild only for students with an additional diagnosis of Autism)
- Be dated within 2 years of application date
- Specifically recommend a special school placement
- Make reference to the need of an SNA and/or Bus Escort if deemed necessary
- Reference any Assistive Technology recommended
- Recommend any Occupational Therapy supports e.g. Chair
- Reference any hearing, visual, speech and language interventions
************************************************************************************************************************************
Additional Information:
How to send your application:
Applications must be sent in by REGISTERED POST. Applications will not be processed and will be returned if not submitted by REGISTERED POST through An Post.
Number of places available each year:
Places available are listed on our Annual Admission Notice and we generally accept applications from October to March of the current academic year for enrolment in September of the following year. We recommend that you apply to other schools as well as St. Augustine’s. Many schools are oversubscribed. We currently receive more applications than we have places each year. Waiting lists are held for the school year of application only and do not carry forward to the following year; parents need to re-apply each year.
Students we do not accept:
We regret we cannot accept applications for students with a dual diagnosis of ASD+Moderate GLD, students with a diagnosis of Borderline (IQ >70) or Psychological Reports dated 2 years past application date.
School transport:
School transport is provided for students attending St. Augustine’s School. If you are offered a place, we will make an application to National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on your behalf. Click here for Department Circular.
Class sizes:
Class sizes are currently 7-10 (but max. 12 students per class). There is 1 teacher and there are 1 or 2 special needs assistants (sna) per class, depending on needs in class and staffing resources to school. SNAs in our school are not assigned to individual students, but work with all students in the class, supporting the teacher.
Number of students at St. Augustine’s School:
There are currently 160 students attending Saint Augustine’s School (approximately 60% boys and 40% girls). This includes:
o 60 students with Mild GLD + Autism
o 40 students with Mild-Moderate GLD + Down Syn.
o 60 students with Mild-Moderate GLD with or without diagnoses other than Autism and Down Syndrome.
o 60 students with Mild GLD + Autism
o 40 students with Mild-Moderate GLD + Down Syn.
o 60 students with Mild-Moderate GLD with or without diagnoses other than Autism and Down Syndrome.
National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Information for Parents:
Please see ‘Working Together to Make a Difference for Children’. Click here.
Saint Augustine’s School Parents Association & Clubs:
Parents are actively involved in St. Augustine’s School Parents Association (SASPA), in The Special Olympics Swimming Club and in the Past-Pupils Clubs.
Graduation Age & Academic Qualifications:
Students graduate at age 18 with a combination of Junior Cycle Levels 2 and 3, QQI (formerly FETAC) Levels 2 and 3 and Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) qualifications.
Student options post-St. Augustine’s School:
Students often accept placements in Festina Lente, STEP, WALK, Roslyn Park, Access Park House, SJoG Patrick Street, NLN, Autism Initiatives, Sunbeam House, Gheel, Turas, St. Michael’s House, Central Remedial Clinic (Rehabilitative Training), etc.
This is summary information only and must be read in conjunction with Annual Admission Notice and School Admission Policy. If you would like to receive hard copies of these, or if you require any assistance completing the application form, please email the school secretary at roisinkelly@saintaugustines.ie, or get in touch with us by phone on 01-2881771 to make your request.
These documents can also be found on our Policies Page. Please click here to open.
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM (BY REGISTERED POST ONLY):
- Copy of child’s Birth Cert
- Proof of Address
- Signed GDPR Consent
- Most recent school report
- Psychological Report (Include any other reports to be read in conjunction with Psychological Report
The Psychological Report should:
- Include an assessment of cognitive ability and clearly show the Full Scale IQ score (Using a test suitable to the student’s profile)
- The Full Scale IQ score should be in the Mild/High Moderate Range with an IQ of 40-70 OR
- The Full Scale IQ score in the Mild Range with an IQ of 50 – 70. (Mild only for students with an additional diagnosis of Autism)
- Be dated within 2 years of application date
- Specifically recommend a special school placement
- Make reference to the need of an SNA and/or Bus Escort if deemed necessary
- Reference any Assistive Technology recommended
- Recommend any Occupational Therapy supports e.g. Chair
- Reference any hearing, visual, speech and language interventions
2023-2024 Enrolment Applications:
Applications for enrolment for entry to year 2023-2024 are now closed. We are currently oversubscribed for places, but if you wish to be placed on our waiting list, for entry to year 2023-2024, please make an application in line with the Summary Enrolment Application Process information for 2023-2024 below.
Please note, your child’s name will only remain on our waiting list for the duration of academic year 2023-2024 only. Your application will not carry forward to the following academic year. Should you wish to make an application for entry to year 2024-2025, you will need to reapply during the enrolment period 2nd October 2023 to 1st March 2024, and in line with the enrolment application process above.
SUMMARY ENROLMENT APPLICATION PROCESS 2023 – 2024
Before making your application you should review the following 3 important documents:
- Please review our Admissions Policy. Click here to open.
- Please review our Admissions Notice. (This document is updated each year and shows all relevant dates and timelines for the admissions process and lists the number of places available in each age category, the majority of which are at Primary Level). Please click here to open.
- Pease review our school Code Of Behaviour Policy. click here to open.
Once you have reviewed the above documents, you should complete the following:
- Complete your Enrolment Application Form. Click here to open
- Include all required additional documentation detailed in checklist below.
- Send your Application Form and all required documentation for the attention of Saint Augustine’s School Board of Management, Saint Augustine’s School, Obelisk Park, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
- Your application MUST be posted in by registered post. (Applications sent by standard post will not be accepted)
- Applications that do not include all required documentation detailed in checklist below will not be accepted.
These documents can also be found on our Policies Page. Please click here to open.
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM (BY REGISTERED POST ONLY):
- Copy of child’s Birth Cert
- Proof of Address
- Signed GDPR Consent
- Most recent school report
- Psychological Report (Include any other reports to be read in conjunction with Psychological Report
The Psychological Report should:
- Include an assessment of cognitive ability and clearly show the Full Scale IQ score (Using a test suitable to the student’s profile)
- The Full Scale IQ score should be in the Mild/High Moderate Range with an IQ of 40-70 OR
- The Full Scale IQ score in the Mild Range with an IQ of 50 – 70. (Mild only for students with an additional diagnosis of Autism)
- Be dated within 2 years of application date
- Specifically recommend a special school placement
- Make reference to the need of an SNA and/or Bus Escort if deemed necessary
- Reference any Assistive Technology recommended
- Recommend any Occupational Therapy supports e.g. Chair
- Reference any hearing, visual, speech and language interventions
************************************************************************************************************************************
Additional Information:
How to send your application:
Applications must be sent in by REGISTERED POST. Applications will not be processed and will be returned if not submitted by REGISTERED POST through An Post.
Number of places available each year:
Places available are listed on our Annual Admission Notice and we generally accept applications from October to March of the current academic year for enrolment in September of the following year. We recommend that you apply to other schools as well as St. Augustine’s. Many schools are oversubscribed. We currently receive more applications than we have places each year. Waiting lists are held for the school year of application only and do not carry forward to the following year; parents need to re-apply each year.
Students we do not accept:
We regret we cannot accept applications for students with a dual diagnosis of ASD+Moderate GLD, students with a diagnosis of Borderline (IQ >70) or Psychological Reports dated 2 years past application date.
School transport:
School transport is provided for students attending St. Augustine’s School. If you are offered a place, we will make an application to National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on your behalf. Click here for Department Circular.
Class sizes:
Class sizes are currently 7-10 (but max. 12 students per class). There is 1 teacher and there are 1 or 2 special needs assistants (sna) per class, depending on needs in class and staffing resources to school. SNAs in our school are not assigned to individual students, but work with all students in the class, supporting the teacher.
Number of students at St. Augustine’s School:
There are currently 160 students attending Saint Augustine’s School (approximately 60% boys and 40% girls). This includes:
o 60 students with Mild GLD + Autism
o 40 students with Mild-Moderate GLD + Down Syn.
o 60 students with Mild-Moderate GLD with or without diagnoses other than Autism and Down Syndrome.
o 60 students with Mild GLD + Autism
o 40 students with Mild-Moderate GLD + Down Syn.
o 60 students with Mild-Moderate GLD with or without diagnoses other than Autism and Down Syndrome.
National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Information for Parents:
Please see ‘Working Together to Make a Difference for Children’. Click here.
Saint Augustine’s School Parents Association & Clubs:
Parents are actively involved in St. Augustine’s School Parents Association (SASPA), in The Special Olympics Swimming Club and in the Past-Pupils Clubs.
Graduation Age & Academic Qualifications:
Students graduate at age 18 with a combination of Junior Cycle Levels 2 and 3, QQI (formerly FETAC) Levels 2 and 3 and Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) qualifications.
Student options post-St. Augustine’s School:
Students often accept placements in Festina Lente, STEP, WALK, Roslyn Park, Access Park House, SJoG Patrick Street, NLN, Autism Initiatives, Sunbeam House, Gheel, Turas, St. Michael’s House, Central Remedial Clinic (Rehabilitative Training), etc.
This is summary information only and must be read in conjunction with Annual Admission Notice and School Admission Policy. If you would like to receive hard copies of these, or if you require any assistance completing the application form, please email the school secretary at roisinkelly@saintaugustines.ie, or get in touch with us by phone on 01-2881771 to make your request.