From:Department of Education and Youth

A report by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Youth has found that published admission policies for special classes continue to contain conditional causes that are contrary to Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) guidance.

The finding is contained in the Inspectorate’sAnnual Review of Admission Policies: Special Classes for Autistic Students 2026published today. The review follows a similar examination in 2025, which found that almost all of the 30 admission policies reviewed contained conditional clauses that could, if implemented, prevent autistic children with the greatest level of need from accessing a place in a special class.

Following the 2025 report, the then Minister for Education and Youth wrote to all patron bodies requesting an immediate review of admission policies in schools with special classes for autistic children. The Department also issued a revised circular and detailed information clearly outlining the clauses that must be removed from admission policies.

Despite these interventions and the clear guidance provided, the findings of the 2026 review demonstrate that unacceptable practices remain in place. The Department is disappointed that insufficient progress has been made over the past year and that some schools continue to publish admission policies containing provisions that risk restricting access for children who are entitled to specialist educational placements.

The report published today is based on a review of the published admission policies of 15 primary and 15 post-primary schools with special classes for autistic students, conducted in April 2026. The review found that half (15) of the published policies examined did not contain any conditional clauses. However, the remaining 15 published policies contained clauses that could, if implemented, prevent autistic children with the greatest level of need from accessing a place in a special class.

Examples of clauses included provisions allowing the refusal of enrolment based on a prospective students’ potential behaviour; requirements for parents to provide information or undertake steps beyond those required of other applicants; and requirements that students demonstrate an ability to participate in mainstream classes before being considered for admission to a special class.

The Department of Education and Youth takes very seriously any admission policy that has the effect of restricting or discouraging access to specialist education placements. The Department is writing directly to boards of management of the 15 schools concerned requesting the immediate removal of the relevant clauses from their admission policies. Copies of these letters will also issue to relevant patron bodies also in recognition of their statutory role in approving school admission policies. The Department is also considering what further measures may be necessary to ensure compliance with admission requirements.

Publishing the report, Chief Inspector Yvonne Keating, said: ‘

"The finding that half of the schools in this sample have conditional clauses in their admission policies is particularly concerning and disappointing considering the letter from the Minister to all patron bodies and the publication of an Information Note and a revised circular by the Department giving schools clear direction on clauses that are not permitted. The Inspectorate is committed to conducting further annual review of admission policies. We will also continue to examine schools’ procedures for admitting students and supporting the inclusion of all children and young people, during our routine evaluations of schools.”

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, welcomed the publication of the report and reiterated the need for urgent action:

“I acknowledge the work of those school leaders, boards of management and patron bodies that have acted to ensure their admission policies fully comply with the guidance issued by my Department. Their commitment helps ensure that children and young people with the greatest level of need can access the educational supports to which they are entitled.

However, I am deeply disappointed that, despite clear guidance and direct engagement from the Department following last year’s review, that half of the schools examined have admission policies containing clauses that may unfairly restrict access to special class placements. This is not acceptable.

I am calling on every patron body and every board of management to review their admissions policies and to immediately remove, without delay, any provision that could create a barrier to enrolment for an autistic child who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria set out by my Department. Parents must be confident that admission policies are fair, transparent and fully compliant with national requirements. We expect all schools and patron bodies to take responsibility for ensuring this happens as a matter of urgency.”

The Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, TD, said:

“There has been increasing investment into Special Education to ensure children with additional needs are being supported to access education. In all senses, we must ensure there are no barriers in place that create difficulties for children to access education.

“The Admissions process can be a stressful time for families and while schools are generally doing all they can to ensure their policies are clear, transparent and fair, the findings of this report are an important reminder that some schools still have work to do to ensure they don’t have barriers in place that mean autistic students are being excluded.

“Schools are accountable for their admission policies, but, equally, the guidance issued by the Department must be adhered to by all schools.”

The full report is available at:Inspectorate publications

For further information please [email protected]

Further information on admission of students to special classes for autistic students